Investigating the load transfer efficiency in carbon nanotubes reinforced nanocomposites

The load transfer efficiency from surrounding matrix to the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in the CNTs reinforced nanocomposites was studied. Both single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) and multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs) were taken into account in the investigation. A cylindrical representative volume element (RVE) containing the CNTs and matrix phases were employed in the shear lag analysis from which the axial stress distribution as well as the load transfer efficiency in the CNTs was characterized. The effects of the layer number, atomistic interaction of graphite layers, and the aspect ratio of the CNTs on the load transfer efficiency were of concern. Results indicated that the SWCNTs exhibit a greater load transfer efficiency than MWCNTs associated with the same CNTs volume fraction in the nanocomposites. Moreover, the incompetent behaviors of the MWCNTs would become substantial as the number of graphite layers increases, and the deficient load transfer efficiency in the MWCNTs would not be modified effectively even though the chemical bonding between the graphite layers were constructed.