US Patent 7862766 - Electron beam functionalization of nanoscale fibers

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7862766.html

Functionalization of nanotube films is used to strengthen the films but can be time consuming using conventional techniques. This patent from Florida State University Research Foundation teaches a more rapid approach using electron beam irradiation. Claim 1 reads:

1. A method of functionalizing a nanoscale fiber film material, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a nanoscale fiber film material which comprises a plurality of nanoscale fibers; and

(b) irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material with a controlled amount of radiation, wherein the step of irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material comprises applying an electron beam to the nanoscale fiber film,

wherein the electron beam applies a dose of electrons in the range from about 10 ×1015 to about 300×1015 e/cm2.