Nanoyarn

Nanoyarn is strings of yarn made out of carbon nanotubes that, according to some researchers and one company, can be made to the length of one kilometer. Considering a nanometer is one billionth of a meter, it has left some in disbelief at the ability of creating such strong and durable sheets of nanoparticles that, when formed together, can create incredible structures.

What are Carbon Nanotubes?

Carbon nanotubes are tubes of carbon atoms that are only about 1 nanomater in length. When looking at a carbon nanotube at the atomic level, it appears as if it is made up of metal found in a mesh fence. However, in reality, it is made up of carbon atoms in a hexagonal lattice. In other words, these carbon atoms form together in the shapes of hexagons.

Typically in the industrial world, about ten thousand of these individual carbon nanotubes is formed together to form a small black powder. However, in the past, this was all that companies were able to produce. One company, though, has made the effort to create much longer and more durable nanoyarns.

What is Nanoyarn?

Nanoyarn is, as the name suggests, yarn that is made from particles in the nanometer measurement range. According to Nanocomp, they feel that they are able to take those ten thousand combined carbon nanotubes and multiply it by tens or even hundreds making them much longer in shape. This would take the small, fine black powder and turn it into an effective sheet of yarn.

Nanocomp is hoping that they will be able to take these bits of nanoyarn and use them as antennas, cables and electromagnetic interference shields for the military. On top of that, they are working with the the military's research arms to try and develop stronger body armor for American soldiers.

How Does it Work?

Each company has their own methods; however, NanoComp has one that seems to be working well for them. Fed into one side of a furnace is a reaction gas that contains carbon in it. As this gas moves through the furnace, it forces through a porous block, picking up a catalyst that is put on top of the block. When the carbon gas is forced to meet with the catalyst, the result is the carbon nanotubes that were mentioned earlier.

As these developing nanotubes continue to move through the furnace, a temperature gradient allows the tubes to absorb material from the initial reaction gas, thus allowing the nanotubes to grow even larger. When the tubes leave the furnace, they are bunched up on the conveyer belt and formed into sheets as well as lengths of yarn.