Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
mechanical properties, carbon nanotube, templated materials
College
Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Department
Physics and Astronomy
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes have an unusually high strength-to-weight ratio and thus present an exciting material for use in reinforcing the structural integrity of microstructures. However, despite their desirable properties, carbon nanotubes have proved difficult to incorporate in materials as strengthening elements. Our group has developed a method for patterning and infiltrating, or filling, carbon nanotube forests to make structures. Infiltration proceeds by flowing an ethylene/argon mixture across a sample at a temperature of 900 °C, thus depositing amorphous carbon and locking the spaces in the nanotubes together. Using cantilever structures made of this carbon nanotube/carbon composite material, we have begun to measure key mechanical properties of this composite material. We are able to determine the maximum applied force that a carbon-infiltrated microstructure can withstand and the Young’s modulus and yield stress of the composite material.
Recommended Citation
Wood, Taylor S. and Vanfleet, Dr. Richard
(2013)
"Strength and Mechanical Properties of Carbon Nanotube Templated Materials,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 2783.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2783