REVIEWS ON EXPERIMENTAL AND THEORETICAL APPROACHES TO CHARACTERIZE THE ELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF CARBON NANOTUBE-REINFORCED POLYMERIC NANOCOMPOSITES

Abstract

In recent years, many studies have focused on the incorporation of nanoscale filler materials in the polymer matrix for the development of highly functional and advanced composite materials[1]. In an attempt to improve the mechanical properties of polymeric composites, various types of nanoscale filler materials were reinforced in the polymer matrix [1]. Carbon nanotube (CNT) can be nominated as a potential candidate for fiber-reinforced polymeric nanocomposites, owing to their low 143 density and outstanding mechanical properties [2]. However, accurate prediction of the elastic behavior of the CNT-reinforced polymeric nanocomposites is difficult because of the effect of the inherent properties of CNT on the nanocomposites (e.g., the interfacial characteristics and the aggregation of CNT). Many of the relevant studies have investigated the effect of CNT reinforcing on the enhanced mechanical properties of the nanocomposites [3], while fewer efforts were given to investigating the elastic behavior of CNT-reinforced polymeric nanocomposites. In this regard, this paper revisits the previous studies of CNT-reinforced polymeric nanocomposites and provides reviews on the experimental and theoretical approaches to characterize the elastic behavior of the nanocomposites. In addition, a preliminary study conducted by the authors to investigate the elastic behavior of CNT-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites is briefly introduced [4].