Understanding the effect of CNT characteristics on the tensile modulus of CNT reinforced polypropylene using finite element analysis

• Published in: Computational materials science Vol. 79; pp. 368 - 376
• Main Authors: Bhuiyan, Md A., Pucha, Raghuram V., Worthy, Johnny, Karevan, Mehdi, Kalaitzidou, Kyriaki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 01.11.2013; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; CNT/PP interphase; CNT/PP nanocomposites; Composites; Distribution functions; Exact sciences and technology; Finite element analysis; Finite element method; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Image analysis; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Modulus of elasticity; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; Polypropylenes; Technology of polymers; Tensile modulus; Waviness; CNT/PP interphase; Tensile modulus; Finite element analysis; CNT/PP nanocomposites; Distribution functions; Atomic force microscopy; Scanning electron microscopy; Interphase; Propylene polymer; Elasticity; Carbon nanotubes; Probability distribution; Dispersion reinforced material; Composite material; Finite element method; Image analysis; Tensile stress; Particle distribution; Distribution function; Nanocomposite
• ISSN: 0927-0256; 1879-0801
• DOI: 10.1016/j.commatsci.2013.06.046

•Various CNT characteristics are quantified using SEM and AFM images of CNT/PP composites.•Numerical model accounting for CNT orientation, dispersion, distribution, waviness and CNT/PP interphase is proposed.•Proposed model is validated by comparing the model predictions with experimental data. The focus of this study is to understand the reinforcing efficiency of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in polymers through finite element modeling. The novelty of our work is that the probability distribution functions of CNT diameter, orientation, dispersion and waviness, determined through image analysis, are incorporated in the finite element model allowing thus for fundamental understanding of how the CNT characteristics affect the tensile modulus of CNT reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites. The presence of interphase, confirmed by atomic force microscopy, is also accounted for in our model. The image analysis approach utilizes scanning electron microscopy images of the CNT/PP composites made by melt mixing and injection molding. Model predictions are compared with the data obtained experimentally according to ASTM D638. A good agreement between the model predictions and experimental data is observed.