Abstract

The main objective of this research is to estimate the critical temperature for triple-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/epoxy resin. Critical temperature in this study is the temperature that inter-laminar shear stress in interfaces of triple-walled CNTs and epoxy resin is the maximum value. At maximum inter-laminar shear stress, the stress concentration between triple-walled CNTs and epoxy resin is the maximum. This phenomenon may cause crack initiation, propagation and fracture in fibers/matrix interfaces. In the presented study, this temperature is derived by applying analytical method. The results of this research showed that maximum inter-laminar shear stress could occur at 85°C, which appears to be the critical temperature. The results of this research could be applied in any industry dealing with thermal stress and thermal cycles.

Key words: Critical temperature, triple-walled carbon nanotube (CNT), nanocomposites, thermal analysis, inter-laminar shear stress, coefficient of thermal expansion.