Torsional buckling of multi-walled carbon nanotube embedded in an elastic matrix subjected to thermal fields is studied using a continuum-based multilayered shell model. The model takes into account the multilayer van der Waals (vdW) interaction between any two layers of the MWCNT as radius dependent function. The elastic matrix surrounding the outermost tube is modeled as Pasternak foundation to account for not only the normal stresses, but also the shear stress between the outermost tube and the surrounding medium. The effect of inner tube radius, number of tubes, stiffness of surrounding elastic medium and temperature change on the critical torsional load is examined. Numerical results show that the vdW interaction will lead to a higher critical torsional load and at room or lower temperature the critical torsional load for infinitesimal buckling of a multi-walled carbon nanotube increases as the value of temperature change increases, while at a temperature higher than room temperature the critical torsional load for infinitesimal buckling of a multi-walled carbon nanotube decreases as the value of temperature change increases.
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