An isotropic carbon alloy is formed from various carbon allotropes such as
SWCNT, fullerenes, MWCNT, diamond-like carbon, diamond, nanocrystalline
diamond, diamondoids, amorphous carbon, graphitic polyhedral crystals,
graphite, graphene, HOPG, and hydrogenated amorphous carbon. The SWCNTs
are present in different morphologies such as ropes, bundles, single
filaments, tangled webs, etc. The SWCNT have large aspect ratios and
weave throughout the alloy. Many morphologies of ICA are possible with a
range of properties attainable as a function of the composition of carbon
allotropes and post-processing techniques. Post-processing can be done to
enhance particular properties of the ICA and may include HIP, furnace
heating, ion beam irradiation, electron beam irradiation, laser
irradiation, electric resistive heating, inductive heating, IR
irradiation, etc. Contaminants may be present in the ICA as a consequence
of the process equipment, process feedstock, or catalysts used in the
reactors.