A Study on Effect of Waviness on Mechanical Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Epoxy Composites Using Modified Halpin-Tsai Theory

In order to improve the precision in prediction of mechanical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs)/epoxy composites, the effect of waviness of nanotubes is considered by applying a correction factor to a modified Halpin-Tsai equation. Data validation was carried out through the comparison of theoretical data with real mechanical test results obtained by the authors and in the literature. Tensile tests of various weight percents (wt%) of MWNT/epoxy composites were carried out to obtain the mechanical properties of MWNT/epoxy composites. Applicability of the proposed modification of Halpin-Tsai equation was endorsed by the experimental results and was found to be more accurate in comparison with results obtained from the same equation without considering the waviness effect.