This paper discusses the current state of research and development into the mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and CNT-based materials. The structural features of CNTs determining their mechanical characteristics are considered. Whether the concepts of classical mechanics apply to nanometer objects is analyzed. Experimental results on the mechanical characteristics of CNTs and macroscopic CNT-containing objects are presented. The topic of reinforcing polymer materials by introducing carbon nanostructures is addressed. Examples of the efficient operation of CNT-based nanoelectromechanical systems are discussed.

PACS: 61.46.+w, 62.25.+g, 81.07.−b, 85.85.+j (all) DOI: 10.1070/PU2007v050n03ABEH006188 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2007/3/a/ 000248004300001 2-s2.0-34547244539 2007PhyU...50..225E Citation: Eletskii A V "Mechanical properties of carbon nanostructures and related materials" Phys. Usp. 50 225–261 (2007) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Елецкий А В «Механические свойства углеродных наноструктур и материалов на их основе» УФН 177 233–274 (2007); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0177.200703a.0233