Size‐Dependence and Elasticity of Liquid‐Crystalline Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Profound size-effects of liquid-crystalline microstructures of multiwalled carbon nanotube dispersions are reported. The figure shows that nanotubes behave like rigid rods in the case of a low aspect ratio; however, they behave as flexible beams that deform easily following the local orientation in a liquid crystalline field if they are thin and/or long with a relatively high aspect ratio. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2089/2008/adma200702972_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.