Estimating the Thermal Conductivities and Elastic Stiffness of Carbon Nanotubes as a Function of Tube Geometry

Abstract EN

The thermal conductivities and elastic properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are estimated by using the double-inclusion model, which is based on rigorous elasticity approach.

The model regards a CNT as one inclusion (the inner cylindrical void) embedded in the other (the outer coaxial single-crystal graphite shell).

The concept of homogenization is employed, and vital microstructural parameters, such as CNT diameter, length, and aspect ratio, are included in the present model.

The relationship between microstructure and thermal conductivities and elastic stiffness of CNTs is quantitatively characterized.

Our analytical results, benchmarked by experimental data, show that the thermal conductivities and elastic stiffness of CNTs are strongly dependent on the diameter of CNT with little dependence on the length of CNT.