Mechanical properties and interfacial characteristics of carbon-nanotube-reinforced epoxy thin films

Xiaojing Xu, Moe Moe Thwe, Christopher Shearwood, Kin Liao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

262 Scopus citations

Abstract

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) reinforced epoxy composite thin films were prepared by a microfabrication process and their elastic modulus was determined using a shaft-loaded blister test and linear and nonlinear elasticity models. Compared to net resin thin films, a 20% increase in elastic modulus was seen when 0.1 wt% MWNTs were added, suggesting MWNT alignment by spin coating. Electron microscopic observations of the fracture surfaces suggested high interfacial shear stress between MWNTs and the epoxy matrix, a result supported by both molecular mechanics simulation and micromechanics calculations.

Original languageBritish English
Pages (from-to)2833-2835
Number of pages3
JournalApplied Physics Letters
Volume81
Issue number15
DOIs
StatePublished - 7 Oct 2002

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