Properties of Nanotubes

Tensile strength

The tensile strength of the covalent bonds between carbon particles is great. This means that they are not easily torn apart through force, and it is about 100 times sturdier than steel of the same diameter. The intermolecular forces between the covalent bonds cannot be easily broken through physical methods (such as extreme heat). Also, each carbon atom is large, resulting in tiny spaces between the carbon atoms and hence this increased size allows them to be bonded in a tight formation through covalent bonds. This whole chuck of text just means that I am indestructible.

Elasticity

Researchers have tried bending these nanotubes, and even though they needed a lot of force to be bent, they are surprisingly flexible, as they will revert to their original positions after being bent. It is observed that the bonds between the carbon atoms remain strong when bent or compressed, and the bonds do not break. Look, I can do cartwheels!

High thermal conductivity

Nanotubes are also found to have "high thermal conductivity". Heat is conducted through vibration of the covalent bonds among carbon atoms, as the carbon atoms vibrate and transmit heat through the lattice structure. As the intermolecular forces are great, resulting in stiff carbon bonds, transmission of heat is thus fast and effective.