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Compression behaviour of thick vertically aligned carbon nanotube blocks
Matteo Pavese1, Simone Musso, Nicola M Pugno
1Dipartimento di Scienza dei Materiali e Ingegneria Chimica, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|December 7, 2010
Summary
Vertically aligned multiwall carbon nanotube blocks were compressed, revealing mechanical behavior explained by a model of nanotubes under bending and compaction. The model accurately predicts stress-strain curves, with minor deviations due to friction and wall breakage.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) offer unique mechanical properties.
- Understanding the compressive behavior of VACNT blocks is crucial for structural applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanical response of multiwall carbon nanotube blocks under compression.
- To develop and validate a model for predicting the stress-strain behavior of VACNT assemblies.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of VACNT blocks via thermal chemical vapor deposition using camphor and ferrocene.
- Mechanical compression testing of 2 mm thick VACNT blocks.
- Analysis of experimental data using a theoretical model of compressed and bent nanotubes.
Main Results:
- Experimental stress-strain curves were obtained for the VACNT blocks.
- A parallel array model successfully predicted the observed mechanical behavior.
- Deviations were attributed to dissipative phenomena like friction and nanotube wall breakage.
Conclusions:
- The developed model provides a good approximation of VACNT block compression.
- Microscopic instability, compaction, friction, and wall breakage are key factors in VACNT mechanical response.
