The compressive modulus of dense vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) arrays synthesized by chemical vapor depositionwas investigated using an optically probed precision-loading platform. For CNT arrays with heights ranging from 15 to 500
m, the moduliwere measured to be about 0.25 MPa and were found to be independent of array height. A continuum mechanics model based on multimodebuckling guided by the wavy features of CNT arrays is derived and explains well the measured compressive properties. The measured compressivemodulus of the CNT arrays also satisfies the "Dahlquist tack criterion" for pressure sensitive adhesives, which was previously observed forthese vertically aligned CNT arrays (Zhao, Y., et al.
J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B 2006,
24, 331-335).