Numerical prediction of effective elastic properties of single-wall carbon nanotubes-poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites for orthopedic surgeries application

This study undertakes a numerical examination of the effective elastic characteristics of various nanocomposites comprising poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as the matrix, reinforced with armchair or zigzag single-walled carbon nanotubes. Such composites serve as biomaterial implants in the field of medicine. Employing COMSOL Multiphysics® Software, specifically the Solid Mechanics Physics module within the Structural Mechanics module, we conducted analyses on three-dimensional representative volume elements for static evaluations. Our focus was on determining the effective elastic properties, encompassing elastic moduli in X, Y, and Z directions, as well as shear moduli in XY, YZ, and ZX planes. The investigation encompassed varying volume fractions of the reinforcement material, spanning low and medium concentrations. Additionally, the elastic modulus in the x-direction underwent validation using the Rule of Mixture, providing a thorough assessment of the polymer/nanotube composite's elastic modulus in the X-direction and confirming the accuracy of this specific outcome. Ultimately, our work contributes to the advancement of materials and technologies by furnishing significant insights into the effective elastic properties of the examined nanocomposites, across various levels of carbon nanotube reinforcement, while ensuring the reliability of the obtained elastic modulus in the x-direction through validation using the Rule of Mixture.