Analysis of alignment effect on carbon nanotube layer in nanocomposites

• Different layer formations are analysed for double walled carbon nanotube (DWCNT) composites.
• Parallel, perpendicular and vertical alignments of DWCNT layers are considered in the matrix material.
• Four composite models with different combinations of DWCNT layers are constructed.
• Variation in axial, lateral and through plane properties of composites is observed for different alignments.
• Higher value of axial stiffness of composite is observed, when the fibers are aligned in direction of loading.

In this work, effect of various alignments of double walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) in composite is evaluated for axial, lateral and through plane properties. Layers of DWCNTs are incorporated in the matrix. Four models with different layer combinations are analysed using 3D representative volume element. The highest value of axial modulus is observed for composite in which DWCNTs are aligned in direction of loading. Enhancement in lateral stiffness is observed for the models in which layers are aligned in plane perpendicular direction. Through plane stiffness is improved in vertically aligned DWCNT composite. It is observed that both axial and lateral moduli of composite behave non-linearly with respect to DWCNT volume fraction. This is because of the effect of agglomeration, due to the higher content of DWCNT in the composite. The proposed simulation is based on the experimentally adopted alignment of carbon nanotubes. DWCNT based composites with specific properties along various directions can be designed by controlling the volume fractions and alignment of the DWCNT sheets.

Effect of various alignments of double walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNT) in composite is evaluated for axial, lateral and through plane properties.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide