Abstract
Generally, the stiffness of a polymer nanocomposite, even with agglomerated particles within the matrix, shows certain degree of improvement. However, the fracture toughness, in most of the polymer nanocomposites is reduced. The extent of changes in mechanical properties, however, depends on many factors such as the state of dispersion/distribution of nanoparticles, aspect ratio, and spatial orientation. This chapter highlights fundamental and recent major developments in the application of various nanoparticles for tuning the mechanical properties.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Abbreviations
- CSR:
-
Core-shell rubber
- CTBN:
-
Carboxyl-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile
- DGEBA:
-
Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A
- EPDM-g-MA:
-
Maleic anhydride grafted ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer
- EVA-g-MA:
-
Maleated poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate)
- HDPE:
-
High-density polyethylene
- HIPS:
-
High-impact polystyrene
- PA:
-
Polyamide
- PBT:
-
Poly(butylene terephthalate)
- PDFHA:
-
Poly(dodecafluoroheptyl acrylate)
- PEEK:
-
Poly(ether ether ketone)
- POE-g-MA:
-
Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene-octene copolymer
- PMMA:
-
Poly(methyl methacrylate)
- PP:
-
Polypropylene
- iPP:
-
Isotactic polypropylene
- PTFE:
-
Polytetrafluoroethylene
- PVDF:
-
Polyvinylidene fluoride
- mSEBS or SEBS-g-MA:
-
Maleic anhydride grafted styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymer
- CB:
-
Carbon black
- CNF:
-
Carbon nanofibers
- MWCNTs:
-
Multi-walled carbon nanotubes
- MMT:
-
Montmorillonite
- AFM:
-
Atomic force microscopy
- DN-4-PB:
-
Double-notch four-point bending
- SPM:
-
Scanning probe microscopy
- SEM:
-
Scanning electron microscopy
- TEM:
-
Transmission electron microscopy
References
Liu T, Phang IY, Shen L, Chow SY, Zhang WD (2004) Morphology and mechanical properties of multiwalled carbon nanotubes reinforced nylon-6 composites. Macromolecules 37:7214–7222
Fornes TD, Paul DR (2003) Modeling properties of nylon 6/clay nanocomposites using composite theories. Polymer 44:4993–5013
Lee HS, Fasulo PD, Rodgers WR, Paul DR (2005) TPO based nanocomposites. Part 1. Morphology and mechanical properties. Polymer 46:11673–11689
Paul DR, Robeson LM (2008) Polymer nanotechnology: nanocomposites. Polymer 49:3187–3204
Fornes TD, Hunter DL, Paul DR (2004) Nylon-6 nanocomposites from alkylammonium-modified clay: the role of alkyl tails on exfoliation. Macromolecules 37:1793–1798
Raja SN, Olson ACK, Limaye A, Thorkelsson K, Luong A, Lin L, Ritchie RO, Xu T, Alivisatos AP (2015) Influence of three-dimensional nanoparticle branching on the Young’s modulus of nanocomposites: effect of interface orientation. Proc Natl Acad Sci 112:6533–6538
Halpin JC, Kardos JL (1976) Halpin-Tsai equations—review. Polym Eng Sci 16:344–352
Halpin JC (1969) Stiffness and expansion estimates for oriented short fiber composites. J Compos Mater 3:732–740
Mori T, Tanaka K (1973) Average stress in matrix and average elastic energy of materials with misfitting inclusions. Acta Metall 21:571–574
Bhattacharyya AR, Pötschke P, Häußler L, Fischer D (2005) Reactive compatibilization of melt mixed PA6/SWNT composites: mechanical properties and morphology. Macromol Chem Phys 206:2084–2095
Wu S (1998) A generalized criterion for rubber toughening: the critical matrix ligament thickness. J Appl Polym Sci 35:549–561
Pearson RA, Yee AF (1991) Influence of particle size and particle size distribution on toughening mechanisms in rubber-modified epoxies. J Mater Sci 26:3828–3844
Chen XH, Mai Y-W (1998) Micromechanics of rubber-toughened polymers. J Mater Sci 33:3529–3539
Kinloch AJ, Young RJ (1995) Toughened multiphase plastics. In: Kinloch AJ, Young RJ (eds) Fracture behaviour of polymers: part II. Springer Science, The Netherlands, pp 421–471
Kinloch A (1985) Mechanics and mechanisms of fracture of thermosetting epoxy polymers. In: Epoxy resins and composites I, vol 72. Springer Berlin/Heidelberg, pp 45–67
Bartczak Z, Argon AS, Cohen RE, Weinberg M (1999) Toughness mechanism in semi-crystalline polymer blends: II. High-density polyethylene toughened with calcium carbonate filler particles. Polymer 40:2347–2365
Lazzeri A, Zebarjad SM, Pracella M, Cavalier K, Rosa R (2005) Filler toughening of plastics. Part 1-The effect of surface interactions on physico-mechanical properties and rheological behaviour of ultrafine CaCO3/HDPE nanocomposites. Polymer 46:827–844
Thio YS, Argon AS, Cohen RE (2004) Role of interfacial adhesion strength on toughening polypropylene with rigid particles. Polymer 45:3139–3147
Zuiderduin WCJ, Westzaan C, Huétink J, Gaymans RJ (2003) Toughening of polypropylene with calcium carbonate particles. Polymer 44:261–275
Demjen Z, Pukanszky B, Foldes E, Nagy J (1997) Interaction of silane coupling agents with CaCO3. J Colloid Interface Sci 190:427–436
Zhang QX, Yu ZZ, Xie XL, Mai Y-W (2004) Crystallization and impact energy of polypropylene/CaCO3 nanocomposites with nonionic modifier. Polymer 45:5985–5994
Haworth B, Raymond CL, Sutherland I (2001) Polyethylene compounds containing mineral fillers modified by acid coatings. 2: factors influencing mechanical properties. Polym Eng Sci 41:1345–1364
Argon AS, Cohen RE (2003) Toughenability of polymers. Polymer 44:6013–6032
Bartczak Z, Argon AS, Cohen RE, Weinberg M (1999) Toughness mechanism in semi-crystalline polymer blends: I. High-density polyethylene toughened with rubbers. Polymer 40:2331–2346
Wilbrink MWL, Argon AS, Cohen RE, Weinberg M (2001) Toughenability of nylon-6 with CaCO3 filler particles: new findings and general principles. Polymer 42:10155–10180
Thio YS, Argon AS, Cohen RE, Weinberg M (2002) Toughening of isotactic polypropylene with CaCO3 particles. Polymer 43:3661–3674
Lin Y, Chen H, Chan C-M, Wu J (2010) The toughening mechanism of polypropylene/calcium carbonate nanocomposites. Polymer 51:3277–3284
Lin Y, Chen H, Chan C-M, Wu J (2008) High impact toughness polypropylene/CaCO3 nanocomposites and the toughening mechanism. Macromolecules 41:9204–9213
Becker O, Cheng YB, Varley RJ, Simon GP (2003) Layered silicate nanocomposites based on various high-functionality epoxy resins: the influence of cure temperature on morphology, mechanical properties, and free volume. Macromolecules 36:1616–1625
Wang K, Chen L, Wu JS, Toh ML, He CB, Yee AF (2005) Epoxy nanocomposites with highly exfoliated clay: mechanical properties and fracture mechanisms. Macromolecules 38:788–800
Satapathy BK, Weidisch R, Pötschke P, Janke A (2007) Tough-to-brittle transition in multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT)/polycarbonate nanocomposites. Compos Sci Technol 67:867–879
Gorga RE, Cohen RE (2004) Toughness enhancements in poly(methyl methacrylate) by addition of oriented multiwall carbon nanotubes. J Polym Sci Part B Polym Phys 42:2690–2702
Ma PC, Kim J-K, Tang BZ (2007) Effects of silane functionalization on the properties of carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposites. Compos Sci Technol 67:2965–2972
Barber AH, Cohen SR, Wagner HD (2003) Measurement of carbon nanotube-polymer interfacial strength. Appl Phys Lett 82:4140–4142
Cooper CA, Cohen SR, Barber AH, Wagner HD (2002) Detachment of nanotubes from a polymer matrix. Appl Phys Lett 81:3873–3875
Barber AH, Cohen SR, Eitan A, Schadler LS, Wagner HD (2006) Fracture transitions at a carbon-nanotube/polymer interface. Adv Mater 18:83–87
Windle AH (2007) Two defining moments: a personal view by Prof. Alan H. Windle. Compos Sci Technol 67:929–930
Palmeri MJ, Putz KW, Brinson LC (2010) Sacrificial bonds in stacked-cup carbon nanofibers: biomimetic toughening mechanisms for composite systems. ACS Nano 4:4256–4264
Johnsen BB, Kinloch AJ, Mohammed RD, Taylor AC, Sprenger S (2007) Toughening mechanisms of nanoparticle-modified epoxy polymers. Polymer 48:530–541
Bray DJ, Dittanet P, Guild FJ, Kinloch AJ, Masania K, Pearson RA, Taylor AC (2013) The modelling of the toughening of epoxy polymers via silica nanoparticles: the effects of volume fraction and particle size. Polymer 54:7022–7032
Guild FJ, Kinloch AJ, Taylor AC (2010) Particle cavitation in rubber toughened epoxies: the role of particle size. J Mater Sci 45:3882–3894
Liu H-Y, Wang GT, Mai Y-W, Zeng Y (2011) On fracture toughness of nano-particle modified epoxy. Compos Part B 42:2170–2175
Zhang H, Zhang Z, Friedrich K, Eger C (2006) Property improvements of in situ epoxy nanocomposites with reduced interparticle distance at high nanosilica content. Acta Mater 54:1833–1842
Odegard GM, Clancy TC, Gates TS (2005) Modeling of the mechanical properties of nanoparticle/polymer composites. Polymer 46:553–562
Wang K, Chen L, Wu JS, Toh ML, He CB, Yee AF (2005) Epoxy nanocomposites with highly exfoliated clay: mechanical properties and fracture mechanisms. Macromolecules 38:788–800
Zerda AS, Lesser AJ (2001) Intercalated clay nanocomposites: morphology, mechanics, and fracture behavior. J Polym Sci Part B Polym Phys 39:1137–1146
Frohlich J, Golombowski D, Thomann R, Mulhaupt R (2004) Synthesis and characterisation of anhydride-cured epoxy nanocomposites containing layered silicates modified with phenolic alkylimidazolineamide cations. Macromol Mater Eng 289:13–19
Zilg C, Mulhaupt R, Finter J (1999) Morphology and toughness/stiffness balance of nanocomposites based upon anhydride-cured epoxy resins and layered silicates. Macromol Chem Phys 200:661–670
Becker O, Cheng YB, Varley RJ, Simon GP (2003) Layered silicate nanocomposites based on various high-functionality epoxy resins: the influence of cure temperature on morphology, mechanical properties, and free volume. Macromolecules 36:1616–1625
Kinloch AJ, Taylor AC (2003) Mechanical and fracture properties of epoxy/inorganic micro- and nano-composites. J Mater Sci Lett 22:1439–1442
Kim GM, Lee DH, Hoffmann B, Kressler J, Stoppelmann G (2001) Influence of nanofillers on the deformation process in layered silicate/polyamide-12 nanocomposites. Polymer 42:1095–1100
Kim GM, Goerlitz S, Michler GH (2007) Deformation mechanism of nylon 6/layered silicate nanocomposites: role of the layered silicate. J Appl Polym Sci 105:38–48
Shah D, Maiti P, Gunn E, Schmidt DF, Jiang DD, Batt CA, Giannelis EP (2004) Dramatic enhancements in toughness of polyvinylidene fluoride nanocomposites via nanoclay-directed crystal structure and morphology. Adv Mater 16:1173–1177
Marouf BT, Mai Y-W, Bagheri R, Pearson RA (2016) Toughening of epoxy nanocomposites: nano and hybrid effects. Polym Rev 56:70–112
Gersappe D (2002) Molecular mechanisms of failure in polymer nanocomposites. Phys Rev Lett 89:058301
Shah D, Maiti P, Jiang DD, Batt CA, Giannelis EP (2005) Effect of nanoparticle mobility on toughness of polymer nanocomposites. Adv Mater 17:525–528
Zhou TH, Ruan WH, Rong MZ, Zhang MQ, Mai YL (2007) Keys to toughening of non-layered nanoparticles/polymer composites. Adv Mater 19:2667–2671
Bhattacharyya AR, Sreekumar TV, Liu T, Kumar S, Ericson LM, Hauge RH (2003) Crystallization and orientation studies in polypropylene/single wall carbon nanotube composite. Polymer 44:2373–2377
Jia Z, Wang Z, Xu C, Liang J, Wei B, Wu D, Zhu S (1999) Study on poly(methyl methacrylate)/carbon nanotube composites. Mater Sci Eng A 271:395–400
He C, Liu T, Tjiu WC, Sue HJ, Yee AF (2008) Microdeformation and fracture mechanisms in polyamide-6/organoclay nanocomposites. Macromolecules 41:193–202
Dasari A, Lim SH, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W (2007) Toughening, thermal stability, flame retardancy, and scratch-wear resistance of polymer-clay nanocomposites. Aust J Chem 60:496–518
Dasari A, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W, Hu GH, Varlet JL (2005) Clay exfoliation and organic modification on wear of nylon 6 nanocomposites processed by different routes. Compos Sci Technol 65:2314–2328
Yu ZZ, Hu GH, Varlet J, Dasari A, Mai Y-W (2005) Water-assisted melt compounding of nylon-6/pristine montmorillonite nanocomposites. J Polym Sci Part B Polym Phys 43:1100–1112
Chen L, Wong SC, Pisharath S (2003) Fracture properties of nanoclay-filled polypropylene. J Appl Polym Sci 88:3298–3305
Dasari A, Yu ZZ, Yang MS, Zhang QX, Xie XL, Mai Y-W (2006) Micro- and nano-scale deformation behavior of nylon 66-based binary and ternary nanocomposites. Compos Sci Technol 66:3097–3114
Yu ZZ, Yang MS, Zhang QX, Zhao CG, Mai Y-W (2003) Dispersion and distribution of organically modified montmorillonite in nylon-66 matrix. J Polym Sci Part B Polym Phys 41:1234–1243
Chen L, Phang IY, Wong SC, Lv PF, Liu TX (2006) Embrittlement mechanisms of nylon 66/organoclay nanocomposites prepared by melt-compounding process. Mater Manuf Process 21:153–158
Lim SH, Dasari A, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W, Liu SL, Yong MS (2007) Fracture toughness of nylon 6/organoclay/elastomer nanocomposites. Compos Sci Technol 67:2914–2923
Hsiao BS, Chen EJ (1990) Transcrystalline interphase in advanced polymer composites. In: Ishida H (ed) Controlled interphases in composite materials. Elsevier Science, New York, pp 613–622
Chen EJH, Hsiao BS (1992) The effects of transcrystalline interphase in advanced polymer composites. Polym Eng Sci 32:280–286
Gaur U, Desio G, Miller B (1989) Interfacial adhesion in fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites. Plast Eng 45:43–45
Gati A, Wagner HD (1997) Stress transfer efficiency in semicrystalline-based composites comprising transcrystalline interlayers. Macromolecules 30:3933–3935
Dasari A, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W (2007) Transcrystalline regions in the vicinity of nanofillers in polyamide-6. Macromolecules 40:123–130
Dasari A, Lim SH, Mo M, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W (2010) Structural variations and mobility concept in polymer nanocomposites. The University of Sydney, unpublished work
Dasari A, Lim SH, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W (2009) Fracture properties and mechanisms of polyamide/clay nanocomposites. In: Karger-Kocsis J, Fakirov S (eds) Nano- and micro-mechanics of polymer blends and composites. Hanser Publishers, Munich, pp 377–423
Dasari A, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W (2007) Nanoscratching of nylon 66-based ternary nanocomposites. Acta Mater 55:635–646
Dasari A, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W, Yang MS (2008) The location and extent of exfoliation of clay on the fracture mechanisms in nylon 66-based ternary nanocomposites. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 8:1901–1912
Kelnar I, Kotek J, Kapralkova L, Munteanu BS (2005) Polyamide nanocomposites with improved toughness. J Appl Polym Sci 96:288–293
Wang K, Wang C, Li J, Su JX, Zhang Q, Du R, Fu Q (2007) Effects of clay on phase morphology and mechanical properties in polyamide 6/EPDM-g-MA/organoclay ternary nanocomposites. Polymer 48:2144–2154
Li YM, Wei GX, Sue HJ (2002) Morphology and toughening mechanisms in clay-modified styrene-butadiene-styrene rubber-toughened polypropylene. J Mater Sci 37:2447–2459
Liu WP, Hoa SV, Pugh M (2004) Morphology and performance of epoxy nanacomposites modified with organoclay and rubber. Polym Eng Sci 44:1178–1186
Gam KT, Miyamoto M, Nishimura R, Sue HJ (2003) Fracture behavior of core-shell rubber-modified clay-epoxy nanocomposites. Polym Eng Sci 43:1635–1645
Tjong SC, Meng YZ (2003) Impact-modified polypropylene/vermiculite nanocomposites. J Polym Sci Part B Polym Phys 41:2332–2341
Contreras V, Cafiero M, Da Silva S, Rosales C, Perera R, Matos M (2006) Characterization and tensile properties of ternary blends with PA-6 nanocomposites. Polym Eng Sci 46:1111–1120
Dasari A, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W (2005) Effect of blending sequence on microstructure of ternary nanocomposites. Polymer 46:5986–5991
Dasari A, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W (2009) Electrically conductive and super-tough polyamide-based nanocomposites. Polymer 50:4112–4121
Lim SH, Dasari A, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W, Liu S, Yong MS (2007) Fracture toughness of nylon 6/organoclay/elastomer nanocomposites. Compos Sci Technol 67:2914–2923
Gonzalez I, Eguiazabal JI, Nazabal J (2006) Rubber-toughened polyamide 6/clay nanocomposites. Compos Sci Technol 66:1833–1843
Li XC, Park HM, Lee JO, Ha CS (2002) Effect of blending sequence on the microstructure and properties of PBT/EVA-g-MAH/organoclay ternary nanocomposites. Polym Eng Sci 42:2156–2164
Bagheri R, Pearson RA (1996) Role of particle cavitation in rubber-toughened epoxies: 1. Microvoid toughening. Polymer 37:4529–4538
Huang Y, Kinloch AJ (1992) The toughness of epoxy polymers containing microvoids. Polymer 33:1330–1332
Dasari A, Zhang QX, Yu ZZ, Mai Y-W (2010) Toughening polypropylene and Its nanocomposites with submicrometer voids. Macromolecules 43:5734–5739
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2016 Springer-Verlag London
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Dasari, A., Yu, ZZ., Mai, YW. (2016). Mechanical Properties. In: Polymer Nanocomposites. Engineering Materials and Processes. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6809-6_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6809-6_6
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, London
Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-6807-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-6809-6
eBook Packages: Chemistry and Materials ScienceChemistry and Material Science (R0)