CNT/polymer interface in polymeric composites and its sensitivity study at different environments

The environmental durability of polymer based composites has always been a critical concern over its short- and long-term performances. The degree of environmental degradation is supposed to have different mechanisms and kinetics at the polymer/reinforcement interfaces in comparison to the bulk polymer matrix. Differential degradation could possibly attribute a stressed state in the material, especially at the interfaces. Present review is focused on the roles of reinforcing CNT on the performance of the polymeric nanocomposites in different in-service environments (the environmental parameters include temperature, moisture, UV light, low earth orbit space environment, electromagnetic waves). It is essential to understand how the addition of CNTs in polymeric material alters the microstructure at micro- and nano-scale, and how these modifications influence the overall macroscopic behaviour, not only in its as fabricated form, but also its continuous alteration with time in the in-service environment. The technological superiority with CNT addition to polymeric materials may be advantageous, but scientific merits are here to be explored critically for a reliable and sustainable interfacial durability and structural integrity in different in-service environmental conditions.