Abstract
It is predicted that carbon nanotubes have high stiffness and axial strength, such as Young's modulus as high as ∼1 TPa, due to their seamless cylindrical graphitic structure. However, direct measurements of their mechanical properties are difficulties, because of their very small dimensions. In this article, we review experimental techniques and data of mechanical properties of individual multiwalled carbon nanotubes reported so far. We also mention of the nanomechanics of carbon nanotubes, that we have examined by scanning electron microscopy using manipulation technique. Young's modulus of the nanotubes, estimated from the buckling under the force acting on the axial direction, agrees well with the value estimated from the bending under the force acting on the side face. These findings indicate that the nanotube can be treated as an isotropic material in conventional mechanics.
