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Abstract

Three-dimensional phase-field simulations are performed to investigate Zener drag and pinning in carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced composites. In particular, effects of shape and length/diameter ratio of CNTs are studied. The results show that because of their cylindrical shape the pinning effect of CNTs is very sensitive to their orientation, distance and position within the grain boundary network. It is found that fulfilling mechanical equilibrium (Young's law) at the triple junctions connected to the CNTs plays an important role during pinning. Large-scale simulation results reveal that short CNTs retard grain growth more than longer ones of the same diameter and much more strongly than spherical particles of the same volume fraction.