Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Textile Applications

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) — single-walled (SWCNT, diameter 0.4–2 nm) and multi-walled (MWCNT, diameter 2–100 nm, length 1–100 µm) — are incorporated into textiles via fiber spinning (0.1–5.0 wt% CNT in polymer matrix), coating dispersions (0.01–1.0 wt% in aqueous surfactant), or yarn twisting into CNT-assembled yarns. Tensile strength of CNT-reinforced polyester fibers increases by 30–80% at 1–3 wt% loading. Electrical conductivity of 10–1,000 S/m is achieved at CNT loadings above percolation threshold (0.1–1.0 wt%). Thermal conductivity increases 40–300% at 5 wt% MWCNT in polymer fibers. Global CNT textile market is valued at $420 million, growing in e-textile, ballistic protection, and composite reinforcement sectors.