LAUSR

Abstract In this study, a multiscale model to predict the fracture toughness of the CNT/epoxy nanocomposites is proposed. The experimentally observed toughening mechanisms (interfacial debonding, subsequent plastic yielding of nanovoids, and pull-out of CNTs) are reflected in the proposed model. The predicted results show satisfactory agreement with respect to experimental data. Furthermore, the contributions of each toughening mechanisms are compared. The achievement of this study is expected to reveal the complex nature of fracture toughness of the CNT/epoxy nanocomposites, as well as provide high efficiency with satisfactory predictions.