A theoretical model for the tensile modulus of polymer/CNT nanocomposites over a wide temperature range

Abstract In this study, a theoretical model was developed based on the Halpin-Tsai equation to predict the tensile modulus of polymer/CNT nanocomposites. Several important influence factors, including CNT distribution, CNT waviness, and CNT networks were simultaneously incorporated into the developed model. Moreover, considering the polymer/CNT nanocomposites inevitably encounter high temperature environments during service, we extended this developed tensile modulus model to a wide temperature range. The model predictions are in good agreement with the available experimental results. This work provides a simple approach to forecast the tensile modulus of polymer/CNT nanocomposites over a wide temperature range.