Category:

Science and Technology

Domain:

Nanotechnology, Materials

Keywords:

Nanotechnology - composites, nanotubes, nanomaterials, transportation

Outlook:

Carbon nanotube composites promise to enable the creation of lighter and stronger transportation vehicles.

Summary Analysis:

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), are extended tubes of rolled graphene sheets that are extremely strong (possessing 100 times the tensile strength of steel), very light, and of low density. Polymer composite materials made from CNTs offer a number of opportunities for lighter and stronger manufacturing. Carbon nanotube reinforced polymer (CNRP) composites are of particular interest to the transportation industry, especially commercial aircraft and space vehicle manufacturers. Simulations and models have demonstrated improvements in fuel efficiency and flight range for hypothetical aircraft made from CNRP composites. More radical changes to airplane design enabled by the use of CNRP composites could include morphing wings - wings that change size and shape, maximizing a plane's efficiency over varying speeds.

Implications:

• Greater fuel efficiency and consequent decreasing seat cost per mile for aircraft and spacecraft
• Potential for radical redesigns built around the properties of CNRP composites
• Potential for 'crashproof' or crash-resistant vehicles
• Potential for vastly improved airport efficiency as planes can reduce safe separation distances and land more frequently on shorter runways.

Early Indicators:

• MITRE's extensive simulations and models of these systems
• Extensive use of carbon composites in next-generation aircraft, most notably the Boeing 787 and Airbus A380

What to Watch:

• Carbon nanotubes are manufactured in large quantities and with precision.
• The price of single-walled nanotubes falls from $750 per gram.
• The price of multiwall nanotubes, each 10 micrometers long, falls from $2 per gram.

Parallels/Precedents:

• Introduction of aluminium in the fabrication of auto and aircraft bodies

Enablers/Drivers:

• Further development of the technology to mass-produce carbon nanotubes

Leaders:

Regions:

• Japan, US, UK, China

Institutions:

• University of Texas, Dallas
• MITRE Corporation (simulation and modeling of vehicles constructed from CNRP composites)
• Mitsui Corporation (large-scale CNT manufacturing)
• Hyperion Catalysis (CNT manufacturing)
• Sun Nanotech (CNT manufacturing)
• NEC (using carbon nanotubes as electrodes for fuel cells)
• Rice University [link]
• LiftPort (Space Elevator plan and also sells nanotubes) [link]
• Rosseter Holdings, Cyprus [link]
• Ahwahnee Inc (US manufacturer) [link]
• Thomas Swan and Co (UK firm in nanotube joint venture with Cambridge) [link]
• University of Cambridge, Materials Science and Metallurgy [link]
• University of Oxford Nanotube Group [link]
• Tsinghua University, China [link]
• Nasa work on lighter spacecraft [link]

Figures:

Sources:

• O'Donnell, Sarah E. "Impact of Nanomaterials in Airframes on Commercial Aviation." The Mitre Corporation.
• O'Donnell, Sarah E, Kevin R. Sprong, Brennan M. Haltli. 2005. "Potential Impact of Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polymer Composite on Commercial Aircraft Performance and Economics." The Mitre Corporation. January
• Twist, Jo. 2004. "Nano-team spins tomorrow's yarn." BBC News, July 8. [link]
• Jamieson, Valerie. 2003. "Open Secret." New Scientist, March 15.
• Carbon Nanotube Science and Technology, University of Reading [link]
• China Nanotech Startup [link]
• The Nanotube Site [link]

At A Glance:

When:

3–10 years

Where:

Global

How Fast:

Years

Likelihood:

High

Impact:

Medium-High

Controversy:

Low

Related Outlooks: