Evaluation of elastic modulus in PE/CNT composites subjected to axial loads

In this paper, a range of matrix materials from polymer to metal matrix were considered which have extensive applications in various industries. The effective mechanical properties of CNT-based composites were evaluated using a 3-D cylindrical representative volume element (RVE). Continuum mechanics model was used for estimating the effective Young’s modulus in the axial direction of the RVE. The load transfer conditions between carbon nanotubes and matrix were modeled using a separated interfacial region. Numerical examples using FEM are presented which demonstrated that load carrying capacities of CNTs in a matrix were significant. With the addition of CNTs into a matrix at volume fractions of only about 2% and 5%, the stiffness of the composite was increase as high as 0.7 and 9.7 times for short and long CNTs, respectively. Also the effect of CNT addition to polyethylene matrix was studied. These simulation was performed using ABAQUS software and the obtained results were consistent with the experimental results reported in the literature.