It seems like our current method of mass-producing CNT fibers is susceptible to these "kinks," and that this isn't an issue with CNT fibers in general. Over time, the manufacturing process will improve, hopefully to a point where these risks are nonexistent.
Yes, but even if you get to the point of being able to reliably manufacture large amounts of nanotubes, there will almost always be defects in mass-produced products. And if just a few atoms out of place is enough to significantly reduce the tensile strength, I don't know if we'll ever be able to reliably use them.
It seems like our current method of mass-producing CNT fibers is susceptible to these "kinks," and that this isn't an issue with CNT fibers in general. Over time, the manufacturing process will improve, hopefully to a point where these risks are nonexistent.
Then, space elevator!
Yes, but even if you get to the point of being able to reliably manufacture large amounts of nanotubes, there will almost always be defects in mass-produced products. And if just a few atoms out of place is enough to significantly reduce the tensile strength, I don't know if we'll ever be able to reliably use them.