ROLE OF INTERFACE ON FRACTURE BEHAVIOR OF POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES [Keynote]

The interfacial region between nanoparticles and polymer matrix can play a significant role in influencing mechanical behavior of polymer nanocomposites. In this research, the fracture behaviors of three sets of model nanocomposite systems with variation in interfacial properties were prepared and investigated. It is found that rigid nanoparticles can serve both as a reinforcing agent and a toughening agent for polymers if the nanoparticle surface is functionalized appropriately.
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