Length-Dependent Mechanics of Carbon-Nanotube Networks

The microstructure and deformation mechanics of carbon-nantotube networks are measured, and demonstrate a crossover from strain-induced deformation, dominated by aggregates of short rigid nanorods, to deformation dominated by individual long semi-flexible nanotubes. Our results suggest that short nanotubes provide the same network attributes as long ones at modestly higher concentrations, but with a significantly lower network yield stress, which implies better processability.