Making Paper with Carbon Nanotubes 2009/10/07 Tokushu Paper Manufacturing, which makes and markets high value-added specialized paper, has succeeded in developing the world’s first paper using carbon nanotubes. The company aims to commercialize this product by 2010.

Comparing CNT paper with common electronic shielding material, Tokushu Paper showed that CNT paper had a shielding effect greater than that of currently available commercial products. CNT paper with a thickness of about 0.14 millimeters blocked more than 90% of electromagnetic waves, and the figure increased to more than 99% when thicker paper was used.

A number of issues remain, though, such as whether a sufficient shielding effect can be obtained when there are various frequencies of noise. Since CNT paper is less expensive than shielding materials used today, Tokushu Paper believes its most promising use is as such a material.

The paper shields electromagnetic waves from not only nearby electronic appliances but also distant sources and may therefore be useful in preventing operational errors of the electronic toll collection system used on Japan’s expressways. By taking advantage of its high conductivity, the paper is also being eyed for use as a battery material. It generates heat when voltage is applied, moreover, so it may be used as an anti-fogging agent in automobile mirrors.

CNTs have a cotton-like configuration, though, and can float in the air as dust. Thus there are health concerns, such as with asbestos, and the national government is currently developing handling standards. These standards are expected to be fixed in the near future; after ensuring that its products meet these new standards, Tokushu Paper plans to release CNT paper on the market by 2010. (Keiichi Maeda)