Nanocrystals from recycled wood waste make carbon-fiber composites tougher

Polymers reinforced with ultra-fine strands of carbon fibers epitomize composite materials that are "light as a feather and strong as steel," earning them versatile applications across several industries. Adding materials called carbon nanotubes can further enhance the composites' functionality. But the chemical processes used for incorporating carbon nanotube end up spreading them unevenly on the composites, limiting the strength and other useful qualities that can be ultimately achieved.