The Effects of Adhesion and Nano-Structure on the Toughness of Polymer Nano-Composites
Abstract
Epoxy nanocomposites have been manufactured using a range of modifiers, including organoclays, silica nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and carbon nanofibres. The mechanical and fracture properties of these materials have been investigated, and the structure/property relationships discussed. Modelling methods have been used to predict the performance of these materials. Epoxy micro- and nano-composites have been manufactured using a range of inorganic modifiers, with exfoliated, intercalated and particulate morphologies. Indeed, by changing the surface treatment, and hence the interfacial adhesion, the type of morphology obtained could be varied. The modulus and fracture toughness of these composites increased with the weight fraction of modifier. The fracture toughness was increased by up to 150% with the addition of mica, but the material modified with the surface-treated clays generally showed only a small toughening effect. The modulii of the composites were in good agreement with predictions using the van-Es-modified Halpin-Tsai model. The fracture toughness of the clay-modified materials generally decreased as the degree of exfoliation increased, as the modifier acts like large particles rather than individual platelets, hence having a lower effective aspect ratio and a smaller toughening effect. The nanocomposites tend to behave in a similar manner to the microcomposites, and the same models can be applied to describe the performance of these systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA420043
Entities
People
- A. C. Taylor
- A. J. Kinloch
Organizations
- Imperial College London