Compressibility of highly porous network of carbon nanotubes

A simple analytical model for predicting the compressibility of highly porous network of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) has been proposed based on the theory of compression behavior of textile materials. The compression model of CNT network has accounted for their physical, geometrical, and mechanical properties. The compression behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been predicted and compared with the experimental data pertaining to the compressibility of highly porous nanotube sponges. It has been demonstrated that the compressibility of network of MWCNTs can be tailored depending upon the material parameters and the level of compressive stresses. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.