Effect of compressive strain on electric resistance of multi-wall carbon nanotube networks

Abstract

The network of entangled multi-wall carbon nanotubes is shown as a conductor whose resistance is sensitive to compressive strain, both in the course of strain growth and when loading/unloading cycles are imposed. If the compression is applied, the resistance decrease is up to 25% at the maximum applied deformation. The experimental data are analysed using the Weibull distribution model and a contact network model to get an estimate of the contact resistance between carbon nanotubes and the formation of contacts in the course of compression. © 2011 Taylor & Francis.