title: Interface toughness of carbon nanotube reinforced epoxy composites.
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 short MWNT embedments, 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.
authors.forename: Yogeeswaran
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ganesan
authors.forename: Cheng
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Peng
authors.forename: Yang
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Phillip E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Loya
authors.forename: Padraig
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Moloney
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Barrera
authors.forename: Boris I
authors.initials: BI
authors.lastname: Yakobson
authors.forename: James M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Tour
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ballarini
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lou