Abstract
Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) reinforced epoxy was fabricated as the matrix material for carbon fibre reinforced composite. SWCNT-epoxy sample with a single fibre on the top of the surface was loaded incrementally to sufficient strain levels to cause interfacial failure. Fibre strain profiles were obtained at each level of the applied strain by Raman spectroscopy. The strain distributions obtained agree well with the Cox shear-lag model and Piggott partial-debonding model that are conventionally used to describe load transfer at interface. No full-debonding phenomenon was observed. Interfacial shear stress (ISS) distribution was derived at each applied matrix strain. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS) increases after introducing SWCNT in the epoxy resin, which can be explained by the increase of shear yield stress of the matrix material and the increase of radial pressure at the interface resulting from thermal residual stress. The residual strains in the matrix in the vicinity of the single carbon fibre were also mapped by using of the Raman spectra of SWCNT. Stress concentration zones were observed around the fibre ends.