The American Carbon Society, supported by grants from the Asbury Graphite Mills, Inc., sponsors this lecture series in North American Universities. The lecture series is in honor of George D. Graffin, who was a pioneer in the natural graphite industry. Each year the Society selects a lecturer who has made distinguished contributions to carbon science and engineering. The lecture is available to North American universities, by arrangement with the lecturer.

 

Abstract: Since their discovery, carbon nanotubes have been proposed as candidate materials for a broad range of applications, including high strength composites, molecular electronics, and energy storage. Carbon nanotube materials continue to attract attention from across the material sciences, primarily due to the unique physical properties of the nanotubes. Of particular interest is the effect nanotubes have on the thermal, electrical and mechanical properties of composite materials. While much effort has focused on exploiting the mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes, their thermal conductivity is also remarkable, 3000-6000 W/mK. In polymer composite materials, nanotubes have been shown to affect thermal transitions and the kinetics of their host matrix.

 

Carbon nanotubes are targeted for biomedical applications because of the many unique properties described above. They are known to extend the fatigue life of polymer systems, such as bone cement. Additionally, carbon nanotubes can reduce the risk for thermal necrosis by efficiently dissipating the heat generated in reacting polymer systems. These benefits can extend the clinical life of the material, will minimize the need for revision surgery thereby reducing associated health risks, and thus costs for the patient. Carbon nanotubes have numerous benefits in biomedical and dental applications and their associated composite materials can have a major impact in the treatment of disease, malformation, and trauma.

 

In this presentation, the use of multi-walled carbon nanotubes in a range of applications, including composites, separations, electrochemical energy storage, and as catalyst supports will be discussed. Synthesis, characterization and use of differing types of nanotube materials will be described, as well as their performance in the target applications. A study of carbon nanotubes in acrylic bone cement will be discussed and evidence that supports the inclusion of carbon nanotubes in biomedical applications will be presented. The potential for utilizing nanomaterials, especially carbon nanotubes, in biomedical and dental applications will also be explored.

 

Faculty Host: Dr. Meier