Comparison of Mechanical Properties and Effects in Micro- and Nanocomposites with Carbon Fillers (Carbon Microfibers,Graphite Microwhiskers,and Carbon Nanotubes)

The mechanical properties and effects in fibrous composite materials are compared. The materials are based on the same matrix (EPON-828 epoxy resin) and differ in the type of fibers: Thornel-300 carbon microfibers, graphite microwhiskers, carbon zigzag nanotubes, and carbon chiral nanotubes. Two material models are considered: a model of elastic medium (macrolevel model) and a model of elastic mixture (micro-nanolevel model). Mechanical constants of 40 materials (4 types + 10 modifications) are calculated and compared. The theoretical ultimate compression strength along the fibers is discussed. The effects accompanying the propagation of longitudinal waves in the fiber direction are investigated.