Dependence of mechanical performances of polymer/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites on percolation threshold

In this study, several models for the tensile modulus and strength of polymer/carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites (PCNT) are expressed as a function of percolation threshold. The roles of the CNT aspect ratio α and percolation threshold φp in the mechanical properties of PCNT are plotted according to the original and developed models. Furthermore, the effects of φp and various interfacial/interphase parameters on the PCNT tensile strength are presented through contour plots. The tensile modulus and strength of PCNT show a threshold at low φp values, indicating the important effect of the percolation behavior on the mechanical properties. Poor mechanical performances are seen at high φp values and different ranges of interfacial/interphase parameters. However, the lowest φp values and the highest ranges of interfacial/interphase parameters result in the most desirable PCNT strength.