Tensile properties and failure mechanism of enhanced carbon nanotube/epoxy resin composite strips

Abstract

AbstractCarbon nanotube strips (CNTSs) can be used as preforms for developing high performance nanocomposites. Herein, CNT/epoxy resin (EP) composite strips with different orientations and densities were prepared by three structural treatment methods including infiltrating EP into CNTS, stretching, and pressing. Their tensile properties and failure mechanisms were analyzed. Stretching and pressing induced rearrangement of CNTs and proper resin infiltration could increase load transfer between CNTs within CNTS. Tensile strength of composite strips prepared under stretching and pressing was nine times higher than that of pristine CNTSs. Failure mechanism shifted from massive bundles pullout to brittle fracture due to polymer sticking.