A Review on the Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes Reinforced Polymer Composites

Advances in the synthesis and industrial production of carbon nanomaterials, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been widely used in the polymer materials industry in the past few decades, leading to the creation of a group of carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer composites that exhibit the potential to be used in several applications, such as military, transportation, aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment. The advantageous thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of CNTs, in conjunction with their low density, which encourages researchers to use them in making polymer composites. Polymeric composites have been welcomed by many researchers and industrialists due to their special properties including low weight, favorable mechanical properties and diverse production processes compared to other types of composites and other engineering materials. On the other hand, CNTs are unique as mechanical reinforcement components for structural applications due to their nanometer dimensions and extraordinary strength. Therefore, in this review study, an attempt has been made to examine the researches carried out in the field of mechanical properties of polymer composites reinforced with CNT. The implications of several factors affecting mechanical properties of CNT reinforced polymer composites such as amount, shape, and contact area of the reinforcing agents with the polymer matrix, have been highlighted.