Morphology-deformation correlations in nanocomposites

The utility of nanoscale multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNT) with large aspect ratios and high electrical conductivity, was examined to address the limitations of conductive fillers. Additions of small amounts of multiwall CNT produce elastomeric nanocomposites with high electrical conductivity, low percolation and enhancement of mechanical properties, including increased modulus and yield stress. In-situ x-ray diffraction-deformation studies of CNT-polyurethane nanocomposite system provided experimental insight on the facets of the complex systems. The studies show that nanotube orientation and polymer deformation are coupled, altering the strain induced soft-segment crystallinity.