An Improved Pull-Out Model for the Carbon Nanotube/Nanofiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites With Interfacial Defects

The procedure of pulling a carbon nanotube/nanofiber (CNT/CNF) with interfacial defect out from a polymer matrix is studied in this article. By ignoring the fiber-matrix interaction and the stress concentration in the zone of interfacial defect, an analytical model is proposed to describe the pull-out behavior of the CNT/CNF. The accuracy and rationality of the model is validated by comparing to the pull-out experiment and the finite element simulation. The results from the parametric study indicate that the geometric parameters of the interfacial defect have pronounced influences on the pull-out behavior of the CNT/CNF. The influence of the defect on the strength and toughness of the composites is discussed in detail.(C) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers