A Numerical Evaluation of The Deformation of a Polymer Matrix Caused by Change in Orientation of Embeded Carbon Nanotubes Under an Electric Field

Polymers that act under the action of an electric current have become an area of interest in the development of artificial muscles, control systems, medical devices, amongst others. In addition carbon nanotubes (CNT)  are an excellent option to these purposes because possess excellent mechanical and electrical properties, that can add stiffness and electrical conductivity to polymers. Despite numerous studies on carbon nanotubes, very few research can be found on the deformation of polymeric matrices caused by the orientation of carbon nanotubes under the of action an electric field, so in this research a first approach to the deformation of a polyethylene matrix with inclusions of CNT is presented.To achieve this deformation, the orientation of the CNT was simulated by the finite element method in which an electric field is generated by applying a potential difference  of 10 volts (from -5 to 5 volts on two conductors) which generate an electric field E 8.033x10-7 = V /m. The electric field in turn generates a moment and a polarization of the nanotubes so that these are aligned vertically. The maximum deformation were obtained in the polyethylene matrix where the inclusions of carbon nanotubes, while every stress  was obtained in carbon nanotubes