Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Nanocomposites Using Interconnected Carbon Nanotubes (iCNT) as Reinforcement

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes are one of the most promising reinforcement for polymer based composite. The interface engineering between nanotube and polymer is still challenging. Here, we are using interconnected carbon nanotubes (iCNT) with different geometries such as X, Y, and L as reinforcement. The unique geometry of the reinforcement helps in improvement of the mechanical properties. The deformation behaviour due to reinforcement of iCNT is further explained with MD simulation.

Recent Progress in the Preparation of Horizontally Ordered Carbon Nanotube Assemblies from Solution

“…The principle of DNA molecular hybridization is also effective for self‐assembly and makes the process environmentally friendly, DNA origami has been already applied for CNT assembly. Recently, the method of growing CNTs on graphene has been reported, which provides a new idea for the assembly of CNTs; 2) More efficient: First, a combined method that use two or more of the methods mentioned above is worthy of research . Second, developing a short process technology is important.…”

Scalable High Tensile Modulus Composite Laminates Using Continuous Carbon Nanotube Yarns for Aerospace Applications

“…A wide range of strategies have been pursued to develop structural CNT composites. Many groups have investigated the use of CNTs to fortify traditional CF composites, both by growing CNTs directly on CF to increase the interface strength − and also by dispersing CNTs in resin matrices. , Some studies introduced aligned CNTs into conventional fiber-reinforced composites to achieve greater strength; − such approaches lead only to incremental improvements in properties over current CF composites. Other studies have proposed increasing the alignment of CNTs within composites to achieve improved properties, ,,,− but none of these efforts have yielded scalable CNT composite laminates with properties beyond those of CF composites.…”

“…Several fundamental engineering challenges need to be overcome to fully utilize CNTs for high-performance structural composite applications. Although progress in improving CNT composites has been made at a small scale, ,,− ,,,,, high composite properties must be demonstrated in samples large enough to properly evaluate their utility in structural applications. The objective of this research is to develop a new CNT yarn composite fabrication method that provides a high degree of CNT alignment and concentration to yield high-strength and high-modulus composite laminates that can be scaled up for future manufacturing.…”

Tensile Mechanical Behaviors of High Loading of Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Composites via Experimental and Finite Element Analysis

“…[5] The addition of CNTs will improve the mechanical characteristics (such as tensile strength at break, elastic modulus, and toughness) of the polymer matrix significantly. [1,[6][7][8][9] Taking EP as an example, Guo et al [10] dispersed CNTs into an EP matrix, and they observed an increase of 34% and 113% in tensile strength and modulus. To date, there are mainly two ways to introduce CNTs into EP: 1) microscopic dispersion of CNTs into the bulk volume of EP, and 2) macroscopic assembly of CNTs into buckypaper (BP) to be infiltrated with EP.…”

“…Carbon nanotube (CNT) is a molecular‐scale tube of graphitic carbon with exceptionally high strength and elastic modulus, which is considered as an ideal reinforcing material for fabricating polymer matrix based composites since CNT/epoxy (EP) composites were first fabricated by Ajayan et al in 1994 . The addition of CNTs will improve the mechanical characteristics (such as tensile strength at break, elastic modulus, and toughness) of the polymer matrix significantly . Taking EP as an example, Guo et al dispersed CNTs into an EP matrix, and they observed an increase of 34% and 113% in tensile strength and modulus.…”