Chiba Institute Recent Developments

Researchers at Chiba Institute in Japan have reportedly developed a new composite material that is made of a cloth of high silicon oxide (96%) fibre glass and carbon whiskers, by gas phase reaction of the cloth and a mixture of benzene sulphuric acid hexahydrate, with methanol as carbon source. The fibre glass is said to be chemically stitched by the carbon whiskers. The composite material offers a high hardness, high tensile strength (1.08kg/mm2) and low weight. The heat resistant material can be formed into various shapes that are determined by the shape of the cloth used, and it can also be provided as conductive material. The new material may be applied in filters and applications that require electrical conductivity. (whole item)