Deformation of carbon nanotubes colliding with a silicon surface and its dependence on temperature

Using molecular dynamics simulation, we investigated the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) colliding with a silicon surface at a speed of 600 m/s, mimicking cold spray experiments of CNTs. Depending on temperature (300-900 K), the CNT is deposited on or bounces off the surface after impact on the surface. The CNT was more deformed as its temperature rose. The deformation of CNT was maximal for the collision geometry where the long axis of CNT lies parallel to the surface plane. However, its vibrational energy was maximal when the CNT collided with its long axis perpendicular to the surface.