New boron nitride nanotubes to pave way for fuel-efficient fighter planes and space shuttles soon

For the first time in the history of science, a team of researchers has found that extremely thin yet very strong boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) can be used to create relatively cheap, fuel-efficient fighter planes and space shuttles.

In the new study, the researchers determined the interface strength between boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and other polymers, including epoxy. The team claims that their findings would change the way how researchers design the material that has a direct impact on the future of space travels and exploration within this planet.

"We think that this could be the first step in a process that changes the way we design and make materials that affect the future of travel on this planet and exploration of other worlds beyond our own," said lead researcher Changhong Ke of the Binghamton University in New York, in a press statement. "Those materials may be way off still, but someone needed to take the first step, and we have."

During the study, a team led by Ke and researcher Xiaoming Chen discovered that BNNTs in polymethyl metacrylate (PMMA) form stronger bonds than common carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are made up of the same polymer. BNNT-epoxy interfaces were found to be the strongest among all those experimented with.

The researchers explained that a stronger interface paves way for larger load transfer between polymer and nanotubes, a marker of an extraordinary performance of the composite material. Future spacecrafts, space shuttles and fighter airplanes made of BNNT composite material could prove to be fuel-efficient and lighter than their traditional counterparts, maintaining the strength of the wings at the same time.

The research team further said that BNNTs can shield space radiation more efficiently than CNTs, thus making them an ideal material for construction of spacecrafts.

The paper, titled "Mechanical Strength of Boron Nitride Nanotube-Polymer Interfaces," has been published in the journal of Applied Physics Letters.