Buckyrock is a three-dimensional, solid block material comprising an entangled
network of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT), wherein the block comprises greater
than 75 wt % SWNT. SWNT buckyrock is mechanically strong, tough and impact resistant.
The single-wall carbon nanotubes in buckyrock form are present in a random network
of individual single-wall carbon nanotubes, SWNT "ropes" and combinations thereof.
The random network of the SWNT or SWNT ropes can be held in place by non-covalent
"cross-links" between the nanotubes at nanotube contact points. In one embodiment,
SWNT buckyrock is made by forming a SWNT-water slurry, slowly removing water from
the slurry which results in a SWNT-water paste, and allowing the paste to dry very
slowly, such that the SWNT network of the SWNT-water paste is preserved during
solvent evaporation. Buckyrock can be used in applications, such as ballistic protection
systems, involving light-weight material with mechanical strength, toughness and
impact resistance.
