Fracture behavior of nanotube–polymer composites: Insights on surface roughness and failure mechanism

The utilization of highly branched polymer (e.g., epoxy resins) in engineering applications is often limited by their brittle nature (low fracture toughness). Loading the polymer matrix by fillers such as individual nanotubes is a promising alternative to enhance fracture toughness without compromising other mechanical properties. However, to fully understand the nanotubes toughening role and correctly characterize the nanocomposite failure...