Baughman, who began his career as a physicist, and then received a PhD in material sciences from Harvard University began with discussions on carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes have higher thermal conductivity than a diamond, carry 1000 times higher current than copper, and have high chemical and radiation stability.
Because nanotubes have toughness (energy absorption capability before breakage) solution or melt processes for assembling nanotubes to make sheets or yarns do not work. Instead, solid state processes should be used.
Carbon nanotubes yarns do not break at knots, unlike the knots of other fiber types. They have higher abrasion strength and do not even though they are knotted. The curvature is gradual. There is no loss in flexibility at low temperatures. Without densification, the yarn strength is near zero, not measurable.
The discussion showcases the applications of nanotech in the life sciences. Artificial muscles match or exceed natural muscles in order to assist artificial hearts or limbs. When an artificial muscle is engineered to convert chemical energy in a fuel to mechanical energy, the typical battery powered artificial limbs or hearts are able to perform during battery recharge, resulting in less duration restriction and inactivity.
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