Mechanical and electrical properties of multi-walled carbon nanotubes by nano-manipulator

Abstract

The mechanical and electrical properties of an individual multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were investigated by nano-manipulator in a scanning electron microscope. The mechanical strain was applied to the MWCNT by a tungsten tip controlled by a nano-manipulator. The MWCNTs used in this experiment were produced by arc-discharge method. The load response during the tensile test for the MWCNT was obtained using the force sensor which was typed with cantilever. The fractured area of the MWCNT was observed by transmission electron microscope after tensile test. The tensile strength of the MWCNT was about 41.01GPa and the elastic modulus was calculated at 0.98 TPa. In addition, the contact resistance between the nanotube and the tungsten tip decreased with the addition of carbon deposition during e-beam exposure. The electrical resistance was significantly changed during the elongation process and corresponded with the nanotube strain. The strain sensitivity of a single MWCNT was calculated to be around 25.