Autonomic restoration of electrical conductivity using polymer-stabilized carbon nanotube and graphene microcapsules
Abstract
We report the use of microcapsules containing suspensions of polymer-stabilized carbon nanotubes and/or graphene flakes for the autonomic restoration of conductivity in fractured gold lines. Multilayered samples were prepared in which microcapsules were embedded in layers of epoxy above and below a glass slide patterned with gold lines. Upon sample fracture, conductivity was lost as a crack formed in the gold line. Simultaneous release of carbon nanotubes and/or graphene suspensions from capsule cores restored conductivity in minutes. We suggest a healing mechanism in which the released carbon nanomaterials bridge gaps in the gold lines.
- Publication:
-
Applied Physics Letters
- Pub Date:
- July 2012
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2012ApPhL.101d3106O
- Keywords:
-
- carbon nanotubes;
- electrical conductivity;
- filled polymers;
- fracture;
- glass;
- gold;
- graphene;
- multilayers;
- nanocomposites;
- silicon compounds;
- surface cracks;
- suspensions;
- 73.63.-b;
- 81.40.Np;
- 82.70.Kj;
- 62.20.mt;
- 68.35.Gy;
- 73.21.Ac;
- Electronic transport in nanoscale materials and structures;
- Fatigue corrosion fatigue embrittlement cracking fracture and failure;
- Emulsions and suspensions;
- Cracks;
- Mechanical properties;
- surface strains;
- Multilayers