6. Conclusion

On a purely theoretical level, carbon nanotubes are potentially very promising for the mechanical reinforcement of composites. However, we have seen that this prediction is not easily validated experimentally. The ideal reinforcement requires a delicate optimization of various factors ranging from nanotube quality to composite formulation, including control of matrix-nanotube interactions. Given these challenges, a great deal of research is currently underway. This work to improve the mechanical properties of composites has led to the discovery of unexpected and as yet poorly understood phenomena. Take, for example, the very high breaking energies observed in nanotube fibers. It is therefore possible that applications will emerge in fields where nanotubes were not necessarily seen as potential candidates.

Much of the progress made in composite reinforcement is due...