Multi-scale Modeling of Functionalized Nanotube Materials

Abstract: Carbon nanotube-reinforced polymer composites have potential as structural materials in aerospace applications. Chemical modification, or functionalization, of carbon nanotubes has become a popular route to improving nanotube dispersion in the composites, the compatibility of the nanotube with the polymer, and mechanical load transfer to the nanotubes. Changes to the nanotube structure are anticipated to impact their mechanical properties. In the present research, a number of modeling studies have been done to analyze the effect of chemical functionalization on the mechanics of polymer nanocomposites. This talk will address various multi-scale models which have been developed, and what they have indicated with regard to the effect of nanotube functionalization on the material constitutive properties.