Mechanics of carbon nanotubes and their composites

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) display superior mechanical properties and have been used as reinforcements in polymer matrix composites. The first part of this chapter reviewed the finite-deformation shell theory, established directly from the atomic structure of CNT and the interatomic potential, for single-wall carbon nanotubes. This atomistic-based finite-deformation shell theory has been used to study the rigidity and instability of single-wall CNTs subject to tension, compression, internal and external pressure, and torsion. The second part of this chapter reviewed the cohesive law for interfaces between carbon nanotubes and polymers due to the van der Waals force. A micromechanics model for carbon nanotubes-reinforced composite with the incorporation of the nonlinear cohesive law has been established to investigate the mechanical behavior of nanocomposites.