Crack Bridging and Telescopic Pull-Outs

Amino functions were chosen because they are present in the hardener as well. The composites produced were observed in a TEM for the first time matrix-rich areas could be seen alongside the surfaces of the nanotubes, together with crack bridging and telescopic pull-outs, as described in detail in the next section. 

It can be assumed that for the adequate mechanical reinforcement of a matrix, MWCNT might not be the proper choice. The use of single- or double-wall carbon nanotubes might be more appropriate to achieve a good reinforcement. 

Carbon nanotubes dispersed as conductive fillers in an epoxy matrix result in electrical properties which can be compared to those obtained using an optimized 

Compared to bulk materials, fiber-reinforced composites have already proven to exhibit superior properties in numerous applications. However, various desired combinations of properties, e.g., strong reinforcing effects at high optical transparency combined with electrical conductivity or reinforced micro-injection molded parts, cannot be achieved by traditional composites. The further improvement of the fracture toughness of resin matrices is another important task. Nanocomposites possess the potential to fill this existing gap. 

The excellent mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes and their high electrical and thermal conductivity make them ideal candidates for a wide range of applications where long carbon fiber-reinforced polymers cannot be employed. The present chapter shows the potential of the CNT as nanofillers in polymers, but also the need of further development for the achievement of optimal dispersion and orientation in order to attain the best possible properties. 

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