The Effect of Orientational Distribution of Nanotubes on Buckypaper Nanocomposite Mechanical Properties

Abstract

This study is concerned with the effects of single-wall carbon nanotubes’ orientational distribution in the buckypaper on the overall mechanical properties of a buckypaper nanocomposite. A micromechanical model that includes prescribed orientational dependence and anisotropy of nanotubes is considered. The model is based on the Mori-Tanaka approach. The validity of the model is discussed in the context of rigorous classical bounds. The results show that all five transversely isotropic effective moduli of buckypaper nanocomposites show strong dependence on the degree of nanotubes’ alignment.

Keywords:

• buckypaper
• nanocomposites
• orientation distribution function
• micromechanics

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Prof. R. Liang (Florida State University) for providing SEM data on the distribution of nanotubes in buckypapers. The author also acknowledges the support of AFOSR under the grant #FA9550-05-1-0271.