화학공학소재연구정보센터
Polymer Engineering and Science, Vol.46, No.8, 1051-1059, 2006
Nanomechanics of single-walled carbon nanotubes as composite reinforcement
An analytical nanomechanics model is developed for predicting the elastic self-consistent properties of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) as composite reinforcement. The molecular structural mechanics is employed to determine the in-plane stiffness and strength of continuous nanotubes in the axial direction of the tube. The effect of tube diameter of the SWCNT on the in-plane stiffness and strength is presented and discussed. The nonlinear stress-strain relationships for defect-free nanotubes have been predicted, which gives an engineering approximation on the ultimate strength and strain to failure of nanotubes. Elastic properties of nanotube composites are further predicted based on a composite micro-mechanics model, using the obtained mechanical properties of nanotubes, volume fraction, and typical polymer matrix properties. Results on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites show that the Young's moduli and strengths of carbon nanotube composites are sensitive to both fiber volume fraction and the tube diameter.