Mechanical Performance of CNT Fibres

Abstract

The initial strength hype over carbon nanotubes arose from predictions of the strength of individual graphene layers, encouraged by measurements of individual MWCNTs and SWCNT bundles in AFM. The challenge for fibres composed of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is to translate the impressive properties of the individual carbon nanotubes into the fibres. Yarn-like fibres composed of carbon nanotubes made by the direct spinning process have been used as the subject of this study. There have been occasional observations of strengths greater than 5 N/tex, which have served to maintain the enthusiasm for on-going developments. Here, we will re-examine those reports in the context of the response of nanotubes aggregates to applied tensile stress.