Carbon Nanotube Coaxial Transmission Lines Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-121 Topic Title: Carbon Nanotube Coaxial Transmission Lines Proposal No.: N102-121-1044 Firm: General Nano LLC 3040 Fairfield Ave. Cincinnati, Ohio 45206 Contact: Ge Li Phone: (513) 607-5802 Web Site: www.generalnanollc.com Abstract: Long CNT arrays are important to develop high performance material for coaxial cable. Long nanotubes reduce the number of junctions and twist angle in CNT yarn, resulting in increased mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. General Nano, LLC (GN), the lead applicant and University of Cincinnati (UC) spin off company, owns the exclusive license for the catalyst that has grown the longest CNTs (22mm) ever recorded. GN's long CNT arrays can be spun into CNT yarns and ribbons for applications such as coaxial transmission lines. GN and UC partnered with General Cable (GC) to accelerate commercialization. GC has supplied coaxial cable to the commercial and military markets for more than 20 years. GN and GC forged a relationship in 2009 and identified CNT coaxial cable as its top priority application prior to the Navy's SBIR solicitation. In May 2010, GN applied CNT yarns and ribbon to GC coax for initial testing. Results are forthcoming. In the SBIR Ph I, the team will demonstrate the benefits of long CNTs spun into yarns and/or braided materials compared to conventional coax. GN will manufacture and characterize the CNT materials, UC will provide quality control, and GC will perform the comparative analysis. Benefits: General Nano (GN) and its partners, University of Cincinnati (UC) and General Cable (GC), believe GN's proprietary long CNTs spun into intermediate CNT yarns and ribbons and applied to coaxial cable technology will permit improved mechanical, electrical and thermal properties compared to conventional copper cables. The improved properties will result in better performing aircraft for the United States Navy. In addition to improved properties, GN's CNT material also yields significant weight reduction and potential elimination of other costs, such as certain coax-specific cooling systems, etc. The United States Navy will also find value in advancing the manufacturability and cost competitiveness of CNT coax transmission lines, which are core components of the SBIR Ph I. GN is uniquely positioned to maximize the value of the United States Navy's investment in CNT-based coaxial transmission lines. To the best of GN's knowledge, GN is one of two small businesses (not University laboratories) in the United States capable to manufacturing CNT yarns and ribbons for commercial application. GN intentionally partnered with a premier nanomaterials R&D institution (University of Cincinnati) and coaxial cable manufacturer (General Cable) to complement its strengths in manufacturing, spinning and braiding high quality CNT arrays, yarns and ribbons for commercial and military applications. Return