Mechanical deformation of carbon-nanotube-based aerogels

We compare deformation behavior of conventional carbon and carbon-nanotube (CNT) based aerogels with monolith densities of 30–300 mg cm−3. Results show that CNT-based aerogels have superior elastic moduli, comparable failure stresses, and, hence, lower failure strains. The density scaling law exponents are statistically indistinguishable for both types of aerogels, suggesting the same ligaments connectivity. The superior elastic properties and lower failure strains of CNT-based aerogels are attributed to a higher stiffness of CNT-based ligaments, while comparable failure stresses are attributed to the common junction geometry. Practical implications of these findings are discussed.