METHODS FOR ARRANGING NANOSCOPIC ELEMENTS WITHIN NETWORKS FABRICS AND FILMS

摘要

A method for arranging nanotube elements in a nanotube fabric layer and film is disclosed. A directing force is applied over the nanotube fabric layer to make the fabric layer an ordered network of nanotube elements. That is, the network of nanotube elements is gathered along its sidewalls and oriented in a substantially uniform direction. In some embodiments, this directing force is applied by rolling the cylindrical element over the fabric layer. In another embodiment, this directing force is applied by passing the rubbing material over the surface of the nanotube fabric layer. In another embodiment, this directing force is applied by advancing the polishing material over the nanotube fabric layer for a predetermined period of time. Exemplary rolling, rubbing and polishing apparatuses are also disclosed.