An investigation into the mechanical properties of polymer composite reinforced by coiled carbon nanotubes

Molecular dynamics simulations are applied to study the effect of embedding coiled carbon nanotube (CCNT) in a polyethylene (PE) matrix, on its mechanical behavior. Moreover, the influence of strain rate and temperature on deformation procedure of a (۲۱۲۱۴) CCNT/PE composite are closely studied. The elastic modulus and yield strength of the nanocomposite were recorded respectively ۲۴ and ۵۰ % higher than its correspondent amount in pure polyethylene. At elevated temperatures, polymer chains move easily with increasing strain, therefore the yield strength decreases. Lower strain rate, results in a lower strength in the nanocomposite, attributed to the easily relaxation of polymer chains to fit the strain.

Keywords:

polymer nanocomposites , coiled carbon nanotubes , molecular dynamics simulation