Evaluation of Mechanical Properties in Nanocomposites Containing Carbon Nanotubes Below and Above Percolation Threshold

In this paper, several models are introduced for tensile modulus and strength of polymer nanocomposites containing dispersed and networked carbon nanotubes (CNT) below and above percolation threshold. The model predictions are compared in similar conditions to determine the role of nanoparticle structure in the mechanical properties of polymer/CNT nanocomposites (PCNT). The predictions are also compared with the experimental data of several samples to offer the suitable models for the mechanical properties of PCNT. Lastly, the influences of the main parameters on the tensile modulus and strength of PCNT are studied. The networked nanoparticles cause higher levels of modulus and strength compared to the dispersed nanoparticles. The high level of the CNT aspect ratio causes a small percolation threshold in PCNT, but the Ouali model shows the ineffective role of this parameter in their predictions.