Interface toughness of carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy composites

Yogeeswaran Ganesan, Cheng Peng, Yang Lu, Phillip E. Loya, Padraig Moloney, Enrique Barrera, Boris I. Yakobson, James M. Tour, Roberto Ballarini, Jun Lou

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

96 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Traditional single-fiber pull-out type experiments were conducted on individual multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) embedded in an epoxy matrix using a novel technique. Remarkably, the results are qualitatively consistent with the predictions of continuum fracture mechanics models. Unstable interface crack propagation occurred at shortMWNTembedments,which essentially exhibited a linear load-displacement response prior to peak load. Deep embedments, however, enabled stable crack extension and produced a nonlinear load-displacement response prior to peak load. The maximum pull-out forces corresponding to a wide range of embedments were used to compute the nominal interfacial shear strength and the interfacial fracture energy of the pristine MWNT-epoxy interface. © 2010 American Chemical Society.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)129-134
JournalACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume3
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 23 Feb 2011
Externally publishedYes

Research Keywords

  • Epoxy composite
  • Interfacial strength
  • Multiwall carbon nanotubes
  • Single-fiber pull-out

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