Tensile tests of ropes of very long aligned multiwall carbon nanotubes

Abstract

We have directly measured the Young’s modulus and tensile strength of multiwall carbon nanotubes by pulling very long (∼2 mm) aligned nanotube ropes with a specially designed stress-strain puller. This puller can apply an axial force to the rope and simultaneously measure the corresponding rope elongation and the change in rope resistance. The average Young’s modulus and tensile strength obtained were 0.45±0.23 TPa and 1.72±0.64 GPa, respectively, which are lower than those calculated and measured previously. The factors that affect the mechanical strengths of nanotubes are discussed.