Investigating interaction between CNT and polymer using cohesive zone model

The main goal of this research is to analyze mechanical properties of embedded carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polymer using continuum modeling. A 3D finite element model of long CNT, polymer and the interface between CNT and polymer is constructed. Cohesive zone modeling is employed to capture the non‐bonded van der Waals interactions between CNT and polymer. Appropriate constitutive law is used for mathematical description of the adhesion between CNT and polymer occurring at the interface region. Constructed FE model is subjected to five different load cases to extract mechanical properties of CNT/polymer at micro scale in the presence of CNT‐polymer interface. The embedded CNT and the interface are replaced with an equivalent fiber. Observing transversely isotropic behavior, calculated mechanical properties of the virtual equivalent fiber are in a very good agreement with other reported values in literature. Finally, an investigation of CNT length effect on the reinforcement is carried out using a unit‐cell containing embedded short‐CNT in polymer. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:3903–3911, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers