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

•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...