Formulation of interfacial parameter in Kolarik model by aspect ratio of carbon nanotubes and interfacial shear strength to simulate the tensile strength of carbon-nanotube-based systems

In this work, we formulate the “A” interfacial parameter in Kolarik model by the features of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and interface. The formulated “A” is applied to develop the Kolarik model for tensile strength of polymer CNT nanocomposites using CNT concentration, CNT aspect ratio, interfacial shear strength, and interfacial stress transfer factor. The advanced equations are applied to approximate the interfacial properties and sample strength. Moreover, the impacts of all factors on the nanocomposite strength are examined to validate the advanced model. CNT size (length and radius) largely changes the “A” from 0 to 250. Both CNT aspect ratio and interfacial stress transfer factor directly manage the “A” and nanocomposite strength. Too thin and extremely large CNTs result in the significant improvement in the strength of nanocomposites, but thick and short CNTs cannot reinforce the polymer media. Very thin (R = 2 nm) and extremely large CNTs (l = 20 μm) cause 1100% improvement in the strength of nanocomposites, whereas R > 12 nm and l < 10 μm cannot strengthen the polymer medium.