Evaluation of effective mechanical properties of nanocomposites reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotube

Abstract

Effective mechanical properties of nanocomposites reinforced with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have been determined using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The effects of several parameters on nanocomposite effective mechanical properties are investigated. First, FEA models are created consisting of MWCNTs with different spring constants to investigate the effects of the interlayer van der Waals forces. Next, the reinforcing efficiency of MWCNTs in different matrices is investigated using models consisting of matrices with different moduli of elasticity. In addition, the effects of MWCNT volume fraction are investigated. Finally, models were created to determine effective mechanical properties of nanocomposites reinforced with Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs). Comparison of the results suggests that SWCNTs are more efficient in strengthening the matrix than MWCNTs. Also, Young's modulus prediction for multiwalled carbon nanotube in a propylene matrix is compared to experimental data investigated by Andrews et al. (2002), and good agreement is observed.

Numerical characterisation of fullerene based polymer nanocomposites considering interface effects

“…The values of the material constants are within the wide ranges reported for fullerene. [28][29][30][31] Material properties of the constituents are listed in Table 1. The deformations and stresses were determined for a loading case (Fig.…”

“…[7][8][9][10][11] In recent years, much attention has been given to experimental and numerical characterisation of CNT and fullerene based polymer nanocomposites. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Pikhurov and Zuev 15 investigated the effect of fullerene C 60 on the mechanical and dielectrical behaviour of epoxy resins at low loading. Shojaie and Golestanian 19 investigated the influence of CNT/matrix interface properties on nanocomposite mechanical properties.…”