Spark plasma sintering of double-walled carbon nanotubes

Bulk samples of double-walled carbon nanotubes are prepared for the first time. The best spark plasma sintering conditions are (1100 °C, 100 MPa). Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy show that the nanotubes are undamaged. The density is equal to 1.29 g cm−3 and the pores are all below 6 nm in diameter. The electrical conductivity is equal to 1650 S cm−1. The transverse fracture strength is equal to 47 MPa.