Multiwall nanotubes can be stronger than single wall nanotubes and implications for nanocomposite design

Molecular dynamics modeling shows that multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with sp;{3} interwall bonding have strengths exceeding those of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) containing the same size initial intrawall defect, and are far less sensitive to defect size. Thus, although processing met...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysical review letters Vol. 103; no. 4; p. 045502
Main Authors Byrne, E M, McCarthy, M A, Xia, Z, Curtin, W A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 24.07.2009
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Summary:Molecular dynamics modeling shows that multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with sp;{3} interwall bonding have strengths exceeding those of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) containing the same size initial intrawall defect, and are far less sensitive to defect size. Thus, although processing methods used to increase interwall coupling also create intrawall defects, analyses here show that the strengthening effects and enhanced load transfer compensate for the creation of defects and make MWCNTs with interwall bonding preferable to SWCNTs as mechanical reinforcements in composites. These results are consistent with new experimental data and suggest a new design methodology for CNT-based composites.
ISSN:0031-9007
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.045502