US Patent 7897248 - Oriented nanofibers embedded in a polymer matrix

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7897248.html

This patent from Rice University has early priority going back to 1999 and includes some basic claims to CNT-polymer composites. Claim 1 reads:

1. A composite comprising:

a polymer matrix reinforced with carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon nanotubes are dispersed in the polymer matrix; and

 wherein the carbon nanotubes are integrated into the polymer matrix;

wherein the integration comprises alignment of the carbon nanotubes and formation of at least one type of linkage to at least a sidewall of the carbon nanotubes;

wherein the at least one type of linkage is selected from the group consisting of between the carbon nanotubes and the polymer matrix, between the carbon nanotubes, and combinations thereof.