Carbon continued mechanical properties

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), notably single-walled (SWCNTs) or multi-walled (MWCNTs), have continued to attract immense research interests in electroanalytical chemistry because of their ability to exhibit unusual but excellent electrical conductivity and mechanical properties. 

Due to the fact that the mechanical properties of unidirectional, continuous-fiber-reinforced composites are highly anisotropic, maximum effectiveness is often achieved by making laminate composites of multiple layers. This is particularly true of carbon and Kevlar -reinforced polymers, which will be described in Section 5.4.3. 

With the advent of nanomaterials, different types of polymer-based composites developed as multiple scale analysis down to the nanoscale became a trend for development of new materials with new properties. Multiscale materials modeling continue to play a role in these endeavors as well. For example, Qian et al. [257] developed multiscale, multiphysics numerical tools to address simulations of carbon nanotubes and their associated effects in composites, including the mechanical properties of Young s modulus, bending stiffness, buckling, and strength. Maiti [258] also used multiscale modeling of carbon nanotubes for microelectronics applications. Friesecke and James [259] developed a concurrent numerical scheme to evaluate nanotubes and nanorods in a continuum. 

In order to improve the surface properties of carbon fibers without affecting the mechanical properties of the reinforcing fibers, various monomers, including pyrrole and carbazole, were used to electrograft conjugated copolymers and produce homogeneous and continuously coated carbon fiber surfaces <2001SM391>. 

Organic matrices are divided into thermosets and thermoplastics. The main thermoset matrices are polyesters, epoxies, phenolics, and polyimides, polyesters being the most widely used in commercial applications (3,4). Epoxy and polyimide resins are applied in advanced composites for structural aerospace applications (1,5). Thermoplastics Uke polyolefins, nylons, and polyesters are reinforced with short fibers (3). They are known as traditional polymeric matrices. Advanced thermoplastic polymeric matrices like poly(ether ketones) and polysulfones have a higher service temperature than the traditional ones (1,6). They have service properties similar to those of thermoset matrices and are reinforced with continuous fibers. Of course, composites reinforced with discontinuous fibers have weaker mechanical properties than those with continuous fibers. Elastomers are generally reinforced by the addition of carbon black or silica. Although they are reinforced polymers, traditionally they are studied separately due to their singular properties (see Chap. 3). 

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