Prediction of tensile modulus in polymer nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) above percolation threshold by modification of conventional model

摘要

Abstract In this paper, a simple model is developed to predict the tensile modulus of polymer/carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites (PCNT) above percolation threshold. Since the conventional models such as Ouali and Lyngaae-Jorgensen (L-J) cannot predict the accurate results, a developed model is presented which calculates proper modulus as a function of aspect ratio (α) and volume fraction of CNT at percolation threshold ( ? p ) . The developed model can present accurate data, which agree with the experimental results at all filler concentrations. The high ranges of “α” and low values of “ ? p ” achieve a desirable modulus. However, a high “ ? p ” causes the poor modulus at different “α” demonstrating that the role of “α” is highlighted at slight “ ? p ”. It is also possible to calculate the “α” and “ ? p ” parameters by applying the developed model to the experimental data of modulus. Highlights ? A model is developed for tensile modulus of polymer/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites. ? 展开▼