Prediction of mechanical properties of an embedded carbon nanotube in polymer matrix based on developing an equivalent long fiber

An embedded carbon nanotube in a polymer matrix is replaced with an equivalent long fiber for predicting the mechanical properties of the carbon nanotube/polymer composite. A 3-D finite element model consisting of a carbon nanotube, inter-phase and surrounding polymer is built. The inter-phase region is treated using van der Waals interactions. Comparing finite element analysis results and the rule of mixture we observed that the latter overestimates the properties of investigated composite and cannot capture the difference between the micro- and nanoscale. Developed equivalent fiber consisting of carbon nanotube and inter-phase region can be appropriately used in micromechanical equations.