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Shear rheology of carbon nanotube suspensions

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Abstract

The shear rheology of carbon nanotube suspensions is reviewed from the perspective of colloid and polymer science. In the semi-dilute to concentrated regimes, the nature of the equilibrium or quiescent state is often dominated by nanotube entanglement and strong attractive inter-particle interactions that favor the formation of a disordered network or gel. The strength of this network with respect to the applied stress dictates the development of mesoscale structural anisotropy, first through a global yield stress and then through a critical stress for homogenization. For concentrated suspensions, the nematic liquid-crystalline order anticipated for high-aspect-ratio rigid rods has been observed in a few select scenarios. The opportunity for deeper theoretical insight is emphasized and intuitive physical arguments are offered that might serve as a foundation for future study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108, USA

    Erik K. Hobbie

  2. Department of Coatings and Polymeric Materials, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, 58108, USA

    Erik K. Hobbie

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  1. Erik K. Hobbie
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Correspondence to Erik K. Hobbie.

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Hobbie, E.K. Shear rheology of carbon nanotube suspensions. Rheol Acta 49, 323–334 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00397-009-0422-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00397-009-0422-4

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