The invention relates to a method and apparatus for producing aligned carbon
nanotube thermal interface structures using batch and continuous manufacturing
processes. In a batch process a capacitor is immersed in a bath containing a slurry
of thermoplastic polymer containing randomly oriented carbon nanotubes and energized
to create an electrical field to orient the carbon nanotubes prior to curing. In
a continuous process, slurry carried by a conveyor receives the nanotube aligning
electric field from capacitors positioned on both sides of the conveyor bearing
the slurry.
