Percolation threshold and effective properties of CNTs-reinforced two-phase composite materials

Abstract

In this paper an analytical prediction model is developed to determine the percolation threshold and effective properties of carbon nanotubes reinforced two-phase composite materials. The model considers the effect of not only volume fraction but also aspect ratio and mixed pattern of fibres in the composites. It is shown that the effect of fibres on the effective properties of the composites can be characterised in terms of three different zones, namely non-percolated zone, partially percolated zone, and fully percolated zone. The formulations for determining percolation threshold and effective properties of the composites in the three different zones are derived. The model is validated by using available experimental data to demonstrate its appropriateness and reliability.