The interface strength and debonding for composite structures: Review and recent developments

The interface behavior between coated films, coated spheres and carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced composites governs their mechanical properties due to the large interface area per unit volume at these structures. Predicting the interface strength and debonding of these structures has been a challenge for decades. In this paper, a review of interface models is presented. The focus of this review is on cohesive zone models (CZMs) developed from interatomic potentials which are needed to study the interface debonding of large structures with functionally graded interphase (FGI). Such models are important for the design of new microcomposites and microelectromechanical systems.