Pioneering work in the field of Carbon Nanotube (CNT) technology carried out by IMDEA Materials has been showcased in Actualidad Aeroespacial, highlighting its potential future importance in the aerospace sector.

New developments in CNTs achieved by IMDEA Materials researchers were recently featured in the prestigious scientific magazine Science Advances: Ultrahigh strength, modulus, and conductivity of graphitic fibers by macromolecular coalescence (science.org) THE CNTs developed by IMDEA have far superior strength to conventional synthetic fibres. This is a successful breakthrough in the field of ultra-high-performance fibres, which is also reflected as a pioneering material in its thermal and electrical conductivity.

And the importance of these breakthroughs has been underlined by the interest generated in the aerospace sector, a key market for CNT technology:La tecnología de IMDEA Materiales revolucionará la fabricación aeroespacial – Actualidad Aeroespacial

The work of the Madrid research centre, coordinated by Dr Juan José Vilatela and in collaboration with scientists from the United States and South Korea, explains how the proposed nanostructures could replace structural carbon fibres, manufacturing materials such as concrete or even metals such as copper, steel or aluminium. As such, these nanotubes have a wide range of applications, including the automotive, aeronautics, telecommunications and data transfer sectors.

IMDEA Materials is also working to reduce CO2 emissions which are produced at a high rate in the manufacture of steel, copper, aluminium or cement. Replacing these materials would have a significant impact on pollution levels in the long term.