Raman scattering test of single-wall carbon nanotube composites

Raman spectroscopy is used to infer elastic properties of single-wall carbo n nanotubes (SWNTs) in composites. This letter presents strain-induced freq uency shift of tangential Raman active modes of SWNTs embedded in epoxy res in subjected to bending. Epoxy curing and sample extension in the tensile s trength test are found to create residual strains on the SWNT ropes. We dem onstrate that specimen compression in combination with the Raman microprobe technique provides a means for determining of these strains and hence load transfer effectiveness. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.