High‐Strength, High‐Toughness Composite Fibers by Swelling Kevlar in Nanotube Suspensions

Kevlar–nanotube composite fibers of high strength and toughness are demonstrated. Commercially available Kevlar fibers are soaked in a suspension of nanotubes in the solvent N-methylpyrrolidone, resulting in swelling of the fibers, and allowing the nanotubes to diffuse into the interior of the fiber (see image). The resulting composites are stronger and tougher than the original Kevlar fibers.