Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial tape that can function over a wide temperature range. In very hot or cold environments, conventional tape can lose its stickiness and leave behind an annoying residue. But while most people can avoid keeping taped items in a hot car or freezer, those living in extreme environments such as deserts and the Antarctic often can’t avoid such conditions.
New Type of Tape from SACNT Films
Kai Liu, Xide Li, Wenhui Duan, Kaili Jiang and coworkers wondered if they could develop a new type of tape composed of
super-aligned carbon nanotube (SACNT) films. As their name suggests, SACNTs are nanotubes that are precisely aligned parallel to each other, capable of forming ultrathin but strong yarns or films.
In previous work, researchers have explored using nanomaterials, such as vertically aligned
multi-walled carbon nanotubes (VA-MWNTs), to make better adhesive tapes. Although VA-MWNTs are stronger than conventional tapes at both high and low temperatures, the materials are relatively thick, and large amounts can’t be made cost-effectively.
Making of the New Tapes
To make their tape, the researchers pulled a film from the interior of an array of SACNTs –– like pulling a strip of tape from a roll. The resulting double-sided tape could adhere to surfaces through van der Waals interactions, which are weak electric forces generated between two atoms or molecules that are close together.
Multiple Applications and Advantages Over Conventional Tapes
The ultrathin, ultra-lightweight and flexible tape outperformed conventional adhesives, at temperatures ranging from -321 F to 1,832 F. Researchers could remove the tape by peeling it off, soaking it in acetone or burning it, with no noticeable residues.
The tape adhered to many different materials such as:
- Metals
- Nonmetals
- Plastics
- Ceramics
Cost-effective and High Performing
It stuck more strongly to smooth than rough surfaces, like regular tape. The SACNT tape can be made cost-effectively in large amounts. In addition to performing well in extreme environments, the new tape might be useful for electronic components that heat up during use, the researchers said.
The authors acknowledge funding from the National Key Research and Development Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Future Chip.
Source: American Chemical Society