N. J. Lee, C.R. Welch1
The International Conference on Computational & Experimental Engineering and Sciences, Vol.13, No.1, pp. 11-12, 2009, DOI:10.3970/icces.2009.013.011
Abstract Carbon nanotubes have significant potential as the basis for super infrastructure material. The shear modulus of carbon nanotube ensembles is relatively low, comparable to graphite, as the carbon nanotubes interact via weak van der Waals forces. Unmodified, their intermolecular interactions are insufficient to take full advantage of the extraordinarily high strengths predicted for carbon nanotube-based fibers. Thus, a key to their use in high-strength materials is developing strong bonds between these molecules. In this study, we examine the potential development of covalent bonds between carbon nanotube pairs cross-bonded by proton bombardment using molecular dynamics simulation. More >