Fluoropolymer Carbon Nanotube Composites

Title:	Fluoropolymer Carbon Nanotube Composites
Case #	229
Inventors:	David Carroll, Richard Czerw, Hiren Shah, Dennis Smith, John Ballato, Stephen Foulger
Summary:	Fluoropolymers have potential applications as polymer optical fibers and planar waveguide structures due to their high optical clarity, thermal and chemical stability and low attenuation at wavelengths of interest to telecommunications. In particular, we have demonstrated that refractive index tunable perfluorocyclobutane (PFCB) polymers, as well as some commodity fluoroplastics, can be used as polymer matrices for carbon nanotubes. Excellent dispersion of carbon nanotubes can be obtained by either in situ polymerization or solution processing. Fibers can be prepared with a single isolated carbon nanotube protruding from the fiber end-face providing for potential applications as a nanoscopic probe. The polymer chemistry allows for tunable optical and thermal properties via copolymerization and the nanocomposites could serve as optical conduits for Near Field Scanning Optical Microscopy (NSOM), electrically and thermally conductive materials for optical devices, coatings or structural materials.
Applications:	Primary use as a nanoscopic probe in NSOM and optically transparent coatings and structures for space applications.
Patent Status:	Patent has been applied for. Detailed information must be provided under a confidential disclosure agreement. Please download the confidential disclosure form and mail the completed form to: Vincie Albritton, Marketing Director Clemson University 223 Brackett Hall Clemson, SC 29634-5705 PH: 864-656-5708 FAX: 864-656-0474 Email: valbrit@clemson.edu
Licensing:	Our interest is to identify interested industry parties to license the process and to collaborate with in its further development.
Contact:	For more information about this technology, please contact: Vincie Albritton, Associate Director Phone: (864) 656-5708 Fax: (864) 656-0474 email: valbrit@clemson.edu or Janet Dillon, Project Administrator Phone: (864) 656-4237 Fax: (864) 656-0474 email: gjanet@clemson.edu Note: Don't forget to include the technology number in your emails!