SWCNT Composites, Interfacial Strength and Mechanical Properties

Abstract: Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNT) have despite the superior mechanical properties not fully lived up to the promise as reinforcement in SWCNT composites. The strain transfer from matrix to carbon nanotubes (CNT) is poorly understood and is caused by both fewer localized strong bondings and frictional forces generated by residual compressive forces acting on the nanotubes. The interphase area i.e. size of CNT and bundles also play a crucial role. In this paper the strain transfer of SWCNT in a polymeric matrix is evaluated by monitoring the Raman 2D band shift as a tensile strain is applied to the composite materials. The effect of polymer matrix, modification and concentration of the CNTs are discussed. The strain transfer i.e. 2D band shift under tension is compared to the mechanical properties of the SWCNT composite material.