Morphology and failure in nanocomposites. Part II: surface investigation

Characterization of Polymer Nanocomposite Interphase and Its Impact on Mechanical Properties

“…Despite these predictions, however, mechanical tests of nanocomposites have shown mixed results. ,, Although some research has shown great improvement of mechanical properties for nanocomposites compared to composites with particles with length scales in the microrange, ,, those results have not been consistent. ,,, No clear conclusions have been made regarding trends in the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites, ,, as current polymer models have not been able to consistently predict the properties of nanocomposites. ,,− Polymer composite theories in the past have relied on the idea that the modulus of a composite is a function of the mismatch of properties of constituents, volume fraction, shape and arrangement of inclusions, and matrix-inclusion interface. ,,, These theories, therefore, predict that the effect on the composite system is independent of the size of the inclusion. Recent theories have included the size of the filler particulate to predict the properties of composites. ,,,,,− …”

“…Because of the differences in structure, properties of the polymer at the interface can differ dramatically from the bulk polymer. ,− The interphase structure and properties are important to the overall mechanical properties of the composite because its distinct properties control the load transfer between matrix and filler. ,,,, The concept of interphase is not unique to nanocomposites, but because of the large surface area of nanoparticles, the interphase can easily become the dominating factor in developing the properties of nanocomposites. ,, A 1 nm thick interface surrounding microparticles in a composite represents as little as 0.3% of the total composite volume. However, a 1 nm thick interface layer on nanoparticles can reach 30% of the total volume .…”

“…Recent theories have included the size of the filler particulate to predict the properties of composites. 2,6,7,11,13,[19][20][21][22][23][24] An area of polymer composite structure that has always garnered attention is the region near the interface of the polymer matrix and the filler. 1,7,10,11,14,20,[25][26][27] Despite the large variety of polymer composite systems, a common thread among all the systems is the existence of a phase border between the matrix and filler and the formation of an interphase layer between them.…”

FTIR Characterization of the Reactive Interface of Cobalt Oxide Nanoparticles Embedded in Polymeric Matrices

“…One of the key factors influencing the macroscopic material behavior of composites, e.g., the load transfer between matrix and filler, − is the interfacial region between these two components. Reducing the size of filler while preserving the filler volume fraction leads to a dramatic increase of the volume fraction of the interfacial region (interphase).…”

“…Indeed, several studies indicate that nanocomposites can display new properties which are not present in the constituent parent materials. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] One of the key factors influencing the macroscopic material behavior of composites, e.g., the load transfer between matrix and filler, [35][36][37][38] is the interfacial region between these two components. Reducing the size of filler while preserving the filler volume fraction leads to a dramatic increase of the volume fraction of the interfacial region (interphase).…”