Improved mechanical properties of coiled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites

The incorporation of carbon nanotubes in nanocomposites is expected to greatly enhance the physical and mechanical properties of the host polymer matrices due to inherent superior properties of nanotubes, i.e. high aspect ratio, extraordinary mechanical properties, thermal stability, and enhanced electrical conductivity [Harris PJF. Int Mater Rev 2004;49(1):31–43]. To date, there have been a number of reports that focus on the addition of straight nanotubes in polymer matrixes with mixed results. Studies on incorporation of nanotubes with other varying shapes have been few in numbers despite the fact that they have also been demonstrated to have potential applications, especially in the case of coiled nanotubes which is the focus of this report.