IEEE Starts Standard to Define Properties of Carbon Nanotubes Used in Bulk Materials

Business Wire, Nov 29, 2005

PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Carbon nanotubes are finding broad use as additives that improve the physical and electrical properties of plastics and other materials. Unfortunately, different suppliers measure and report the properties of carbon nanotubes in different ways, so manufacturers have trouble comparing nanotubes to find the one that best meets their needs.

To resolve this situation, the IEEE has begun work on IEEE P1690(TM), "Standard Methods for the Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes Used as Additives in Bulk Materials". When completed, it will be the first standard to define methods for testing these additives and how to report the resulting performance data.

"This standard should aid the acceptance and diffusion of carbon nanotube technology," says Krishna Kalyanasundaram, Chair of the Carbon Nanotube Characterization Working Group. "It will help nanotube producers characterize purity, dispersion and other properties and also give end users confidence in evaluating carbon nanotubes from different sources. IEEE P1690 will apply to nanotubes independent of how they were fabricated."

The standard will recommend instruments and procedures for validating nanotube purity, concentration, dispersion rate, agglomeration and other properties. In the area of purity, for instance, it will address the presence of non-carbon substances, such as metal catalysts and carbon-like molecules. It will give material suppliers a structure for providing data and offer guidance on proper levels for dispersion and agglomeration, which affect nanotube dispersion shelf life.

"The P1690 Working Group has undertaken the task of developing a standard that will serve as the model for future nanoscale materials-related standards," says Dan Gamota, Chair of the IEEE Nanotechnology Council Standards Committee. "Krishna has the strong support of the IEEE Nanotechnology Council Standards Committee to lead this working group as it drafts one of the most critical standards along the nanotechnology value chain."

Anyone interested in joining the IEEE P1690 Working Group should contact Krishna Kalyanasundaram (krishnak@motorola.com; 847-576-9596) or Daniel Gamota (gamota@motorola.com; 847-576-5084). The working group especially needs those with expertise in carbon nanotube metrology, manufacturing and characterization, high-volume manufacturing, and in-line testing. Information on the working group is available at: http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/1690/.> IEEE P1690 is sponsored by the IEEE Nanotechnology Council Standards Committee.

About the IEEE Standards Association

The IEEE Standards Association, a globally recognized standards-setting body, develops consensus standards through an open process that brings diverse parts of an industry together. These standards set specifications and procedures based on current scientific consensus. The IEEE-SA has a portfolio of more than 870 completed standards and more than 400 standards in development. Over 15,000 IEEE members worldwide belong to IEEE-SA and voluntarily participate in standards activities. For information on IEEE-SA see: http://www.standards.ieee.org/.> About the IEEE

The IEEE has more than 375,000 members in approximately 150 countries. Through its members, the organization is a leading authority on areas ranging from aerospace, computers and telecommunications to biomedicine, electric power and consumer electronics. The IEEE produces nearly 30 percent of the world's literature in the electrical and electronics engineering, computing and control technology fields. This nonprofit organization also sponsors or cosponsors more than 300 technical conferences each year. Additional information about the IEEE can be found at http://www.ieee.org.