Boron nitride nanotube (bnnt)-nanoparticle composites, methods for the preparation thereof and their macroscopic assemblies
A method of fabricating Boron Nitride NanoTubes (BNNTs) is presented. BNNTs are described as a rolled-up cylinder of hexagon BN sheets. The sheets can be a monolayer or few layers. They are said to be low density, electrically insulating and have high thermal conductivity. Adding ceramic or metal nanoparticles between tubes creates a light and hard material. Aerospace and armour applications are specifically mentioned.
A system and method o producing BNNT and nano-particle composites are presented. A central inlet tube is provided within a plasma torch, at the upstream end of a chamber. Feedstock including B and N containing species, and particle material is provided through this tube. The particle material is said to be non-catalytic. Plasma gas is provided through a concentric opening around the tube. A further concentric opening provides a so-called sheath gas. In one example, the sheath gas comprises a H-containing species.
In terms of operation, a stable plasma is said to be desirable, where the plasma temperature is on the order of 8000 K. It is hypothesized that the BNNTs form by the absorption of N onto B droplets during cooling thereof, where the droplets form as the vapourized B cools as it moves away from the plasma zone. Likewise, the nanoparticle feedstock is vapourized and nanoparticles form during cooling upon exit from the plasma zone. Exemplary particles include metal nitrides such as AlN and TiN.
Applicant(s):
National Research Council of Canada
Filing Date:
2017-Sep-21 (US Provisional)
Inventor(s):
Keun Su Kim
Benoit Simard
Christopher Thomas Kingston
Homin Shin
Other patents by lead inventor (select):
WO2024/119262: Methods and Systems for Preparing Multimetal Alloy Nanoparticles
Independent Claims (Applied for):
1 – Method
21 – Apparatus
Analyst Comments:
Generally, the instant application lies within a body or work around material systems that are fabricated using a plasma-torch. The work considers material systems, process conditions and aspects of the reactor design. Again, generally, the feedstock is vapourized in the plasma and the desired system (chemistry and size) forms upon cooling, under a large temperature gradient. In the instant technology, the fabrication of BNNTs and nano-particles is considered.
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