Eff ects of micro-structural parameters on mechanical properties of carbon nanotube polymer nanocomposites

A comparison between the elastic modulus of carbon nanotube (CNT) polymer nano composites predicted by classical micromechanics theories, based on continuum mechanics and experimental data, was made and the results revealed a great di erence. To improve the accuracy of these models, a new two-step semi-analytical method was developed, which allowed consideration of the e ect of the interphase, in addition to CNT and matrix, in the modeling of nanocomposites. Based on this developed method, the in fluence of microstructural parameters, such as CNT volume fraction, CNT aspect ratio, partial and complete agglomerations of CNTs, and overlap and exfoliation of CNTs, on the overall elastic modulus of nanocomposites was investigated.