We have characterized the mechanical behavior of aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays that serve as foam-like energy absorbing materials, by using atomic force microscope indentation. It is shown that the mechanical properties (e.g. elastic modulus, adhesion force, and energy dissipation) of aligned CNT arrays are dependent on the length of CNTs as well as chemical environment that surrounds CN...

The compressive modulus of dense vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays synthesized by chemical vapor deposition was investigated using an optically probed precision-loading platform. For CNT arrays with heights ranging from 15 to 500 microm, the moduli were measured to be about 0.25 MPa and were found to be independent of array height. A continuum mechanics model based on ...

This study focuses on the structural changes of vertically aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays while measuring their adhesive properties and wetting behaviour. CNT forests grown by chemical vapor deposition with a height of ~100 μm, an outer CNT diameter of ~10 nm and a density of the order of ~10 CNTs/cm show an average adhesion of 4 N/cm when pressed against a glass surface. The applied forc...

Due to their unique structure and physical properties and numerous potential applications, carbon nanotubes have been extensively studied recently and are expected to attract more attention in the future.1 Morphology control of carbon nanotubes represents one of the most explored directions. Except for the normal linear structure, nanotubes with morphologies of ring,2 rocket,2 branch,3 cone,4 b...

Previous research demonstrated that arrays of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) exhibit strong frictional properties. Experiments indicated a strong decrease of the friction coefficient from the first to the second sliding cycle in repetitive measurements on the same VACNT spot, but stable values in consecutive cycles. VACNTs form clusters under shear applied during friction tests, a...