Multifunctional Shear Pressed CNT Sheets for Strain Sensing and Composite Joint Toughening

The main goal of this work is to obtain a scientific understanding of the possibilities provided by, and the behavioral features of, a novel type high performance carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced composite material incorporated in the interfaces of composite laminates and bonded joins with the following two purposes: (a) providing enhancement of the interlaminar fracture toughness and strength and (b) serving as a continuous strain monitoring sensor.