Prediction of tensile modulus in polymer nanocomposites containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) above percolation threshold by modification of conventional model

In this paper, a simple model is developed to predict the tensile modulus of polymer/carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites (PCNT) above percolation threshold. Since the conventional models such as Ouali and Lyngaae-Jorgensen (L-J) cannot predict the accurate results, a developed model is presented which calculates proper modulus as a function of aspect ratio (α) and volume fraction of CNT at percolation threshold (ϕp). The developed model can present accurate data, which agree with the experimental results at all filler concentrations. The high ranges of “α” and low values of “ϕp” achieve a desirable modulus. However, a high “ϕp” causes the poor modulus at different “α” demonstrating that the role of “α” is highlighted at slight “ϕp”. It is also possible to calculate the “α” and “ϕp” parameters by applying the developed model to the experimental data of modulus.