A Novel One-Step Synthesis of BN Nanotubes for Structural Components

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) are considered suitable for use in components for high-strength structural composites used in spacecrafts. However, structurally similar boron nitride (BN) nanotubes that promise both mechanical and electronic superiority over CNTs have not been studied in great detail so far due to the absence of facile preparative techniques. BN nanotubes exhibit good mechanical strength, chemical resistance and heat tolerance and have been predicted to be better reinforcing material than even CNTs for structural polymers. MMI proposes to utilize its expertise in nanotechnology to develop a novel one-step process for synthesizing boron nitride nanotubes in morphologically pure form. Phase I will be used to develop the synthetic technique for BN nanotubes and test epoxy samples impregnated with the BN nanotubes prepared. Phase II will involve fabrication of prototype parts using the BN-epoxy and establishment of its superiority over CNT- and other fiber-reinforced polymers that are currently used in the fabrication of high-performance parts.