Carbon nanotubes are graphene sheets rolled up into a cylindrical shape with nanoscale diameters. Since their discovery in 1991, they have attracted huge attention owing to their extremely high mechanical strength and unique electrical properties. Due to their small size and high aspect ratio, they possess extraordinary properties that are valuable for many applications.

Properties

They are among the strongest and stiffest materials ever known. Individual Carbon Nanotubes are around 100 times stronger than steel at about one-sixth the weight. Their extraordinary strength arises from covalent sp2 bonds formed between the carbon atoms. In addition, they are also thermally conductive - even more so than diamond. They readily conduct heat and electricity better than copper. Single-walled nanotubes can carry an electric current density 1,000 times greater than copper wires. The unique properties are dependent on their specific crystalline structure which can be either metallic or semiconducting.

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