The ongoing development of nanomaterials represents significant potential benefits to almost every established industry on the planet. Medicine, technology, and construction all stand to benefit from the application of nanomolecular structures with unique quantum properties distinct to their geometrical dimensions and physiochemical compositions. Photo-emissive nanocrystals have currently set the benchmark for organic photovoltaic (OPV) solar light absorption efficiency, with potential applications in targeted pharmaceuticals. Graphene, meanwhile, is routinely hailed as the miracle material of future construction and engineering, with ultra-high strength properties belying its thickness of a single micron. However, few nanomaterials exhibit the range of potential applications of carbon nanotubes.

Synthesized in specialized carbon nanotube furnaces equipped with distinct chemical formulation procedures, these cylindrical nanomaterials are poised to impact numerous sectors. They are comprised of a mesh-like structure of carbon atoms arranged in robust hexagonal lattices – with carbon bonds displaying higher strengths than those observed in diamonds. As such, the shells of carbon nanotubes are capable of withstanding exceptional pressures of up to 15,000,000 psi.

Thermcraft has developed a range of carbon nanotube furnaces and services to support research and development into the cost-effective formation of nanomaterials for a range of industrial, commercial, and medical applications.

Outlining Carbon Nanotube Furnaces

Carbon nanotube Furnaces are equipped to perform arc discharge, laser ablation, plasma torch, or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) formation processes. These specialized synthesizing procedures must occur at continuously regimented temperature levels to ensure the uniform development of high-strength carbon bonds. Carbon nanotube furnaces utilizing CVD processes, for example, must provide an exceptionally pure heating chamber to reduce the potential of trace elements interfering with the desired mechanical properties for nanomolecular growth.

CVD carbon nanotube furnaces typically layer a substrate material with catalytic particles, the size of which is directly proportional to the dimensions of the synthetic nanotubes. The chamber is heated to below 1000°C (1832°F), and is fed with carbon gas and processing gas. The metallic catalysts degrade the carbon gas and form carbon nanotubes on the particle surface. This is the broadest method for synthetically producing nanotubes in a carbon nanotube furnace.

Carbon Nanotube Furnaces and Services at Thermcraft

Thermcraft is a leading supplier of industrial heating elements and furnaces for multiple manufacturing and research applications. Our operations were established in 1971, and we have since established ourselves as experts in the development of optimal thermal processing equipment for various heat treatment applications. We are committed to improving our capabilities in-line with industry advancements, including the development of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube products in specialized furnace chambers.
Our range of carbon nanotube furnaces includes:

• The TransTemp transparent tube carbon nanotube furnace with a bespoke gold mirror insulator to create a visible chamber for CVD synthesis of carbon nanotubes;
• The eXPRESS-LINE Quick-Ship range of laboratory furnaces capable of performing carbon nanotube furnace capacities with continuous operating temperatures of up to 1200°C (2192°F);
• Custom carbon nanotube furnaces for bespoke applications and manufacturing environments, including box furnaces with heating chamber temperature capacities of up to 1700°C (3092°F);

We are also ideally equipped to perform repairs and servicing of existing carbon nanotube furnaces, providing replacement parts to improve experiment or production throughput. If you would like any more information about synthesizing nanomaterials with carbon nanotube furnaces, please do not hesitate to contact us.