Even though a large number of applications for multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been proposed, there is relatively limited knowledge about the optimal conditions in which to create multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Computational models have been shown to be a promising tool to determine the best carbon nanotube growth conditions. In this paper the growth of MWNTs in a tube flow CVD reactor was studied through the use of the commercial software package COMSOL, where details steps have been described to reformulate an existing single walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) growth model to accommodate MWNTs followed by validation and growth rate prediction. Higher growth rates were predicted for MWNTs than SWNTs which is a result of the increase in pathways for carbon to form carbon nanotubes based on the additional walls. Results indicate that selecting the correct number of walls can be important to the results of the model.
Autonomous self-healing multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites with piezoresistive effect