ALIGNED CARBON NANOTUBE ARRAYS FORMED BY CUTTING A POLYMER RESIN-NANOTUBE COMPOSITE

A simple technique is described here that produces aligned arrays of c arbon nanotubes. The alignment method is based on cutting thin slices (50 to 200 nanometers) of a nanotube-polymer composite. With this para llel and well-separated configuration of nanotubes it should be possib le to measure individual tube properties and to demonstrate applicatio ns. The results demonstrate the nature of theology, on nanometer scale s, in composite media and flow-induced anisotropy produced by the cutt ing process. The fact that nanotubes do not break and are straightened after the cutting process also suggests that they have excellent mech anical properties.