The parameter space for the direct spinning of fibres and films of carbon nanotubes

We have recently introduced a method for the continuous spinning of carbon nanotube fibres and films directly from the gas phase of a chemical vapour deposition furnace [Y. Li, et al., Science 304 (2004) 276]. In this work the effect of the process parameters on the ability to spin continuously is studied, with particular focus on the carrier gas and feedstock flow rates. Catalyst dilution by high carrier gas flow rates led to smaller diameter nanotubes but these conditions are found the hardest to spin.