SWCNT as cure-induced stress sensors in epoxy nanocomposites

Given their unique set of properties, carbon nanotubes are rapidly gaining importance as stress/damage sensors in addition to as mere reinforcing elements in polymer composites. In this work, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) are used to monitor internal stresses developing during the curing process of thermoset materials. SWCNT-epoxy composites with high dispersion quality were obtained via calandering. In situ Raman spectroscopy was used to identify chemical and thermal induced stresses by following the changes in the G'-band versus time and temperature. Thermal shrinkage prompts a pronounced effect on the spectral shifts of the composite, pointing at its dominant role (over chemical shrinkage) on the development of the internal stress field. Above T-g, Raman shifts due to temperature increase are found to be negligible, confirming the existence of a stress releasing mechanism. Shift rate of the composites cooling from their processing temperatures depended on the combination of matrix/SWCNT type, pointing at the role of interfacial strength on the load transfer efficiency.