To maximise the effect of carbon nanotube reinforcement on a polymer thin film, while minimising nanotube content, a controllable way of varying the volume fraction of carbon nanotubes within the composite is needed.
In order to do this, the inter-grid spacing can be tailored as required giving a simple method of controlling the volume fraction of nanotubes grown on substrates.
The research work is expected to lead to incorporation of carbon nanotubes in polymer matrices within flat panel displays, sensors, flexible electronic devices and actuators.
The study has been published in a special edition of the AZoJono open access journal.