Abstract :
The nature of nanoscale reinforcements in the
carbon nanotube composites indicates nanocomposite
properties are heavily dependent on the micro/nano-structure
and morphology. Macroscopic parameter-based
properties estimation may lead to deviation as large as
30%. In this paper, a modified shear-lag model, combined
with probability statistical theory and composites morphology,
is established to investigate the elastic properties
of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)-reinforced
polymer composites. The computational results indicated
that elastic modulus of nanocomposite was remarkably
dependent on the micro/nano-structure, including diameter,
length, and orientation of the dispersed SWNTs. Microstructure-
dependent shape factor and orientation effect
factor played a key role on achieving high-performance
nanocomposites. Elastic modulus of nanocomposite with
well-dispersed carbon nanotubes was more susceptible to
the orientation. Similarly, nanocomposite modulus was
more subject to the dispersion influence when SWNTs
were well-aligned. The maximal modulus was located in
the zone of small rope diameters and small orientation
angles when adequate interfacial bonding was provided.
The computational results were also compared with
experimental outcome and demonstrated good consistence.
