MED409 – Mechanics of Composite Structures

Presentation by:

B.Suryakamal – 1310110106
G.Umamaheshwar - 1310110347
 Nanocomposites
 Multi constituent materials(one of the material has one
,two or three dimensions of less than 100 nm)
 Superior overall properties compared to constituent
properties
 Ability to tailor properties(Mechanical, thermal,
optical, electrochemical, catalytic properties of the
nanocomposite will differ markedly from that of the
component materials)
Nanocomposites in Nature
 Wood is a good example of a natural
composite, combination of cellulose fiber
and lignin. The cellulose fiber provides
strength and the lignin is the "glue" that
bonds and stabilizes the fiber.

 Bamboo is a very efficient wood composite

structure. The components are cellulose and
lignin, as in all other wood, however
bamboo is hollow. This results in a very light
yet stiff structure. Composite fishing poles
and golf club shafts copy this natural design
Difference from conventional composites

 Exceptionally high surface to volume ratio of the

reinforcing phase and/or it’s high aspect ratio.
 The reinforcing material can be made up of
particles(e.g. Minerals), sheets(e.g exfoliated clay
stacks) or fibres (e.g. carbon nanotubes or
electrospun fibres).
 The area of the interface between the matrix and
reinforcement phases(s) is significantly improved
than the conventional composites.
Difference from conventional composites

 The matrix material properties are significantly

affected in the vicinity of the reinforcement.
 Small amount of nanoscale reinforcement can have
an observable effect on the macroscale properties
of the composites.
 Nanocomposites
 Combination of nanoparticles and conventional
continuous fibres
Why Nanocomposites ?
 Mechanical Properties e.g. strength, modulus and
stability.
 Decreased permeability to gasses, water and
hydrocarbons.
 Thermal Stability
 Flame retardancy and reduced smoke emissions.
 Chemical resistance
 Surface resistance
 Electrical and Magnetic properties.
 Optical clarity in comparison to conventionally filled
polymers.
Nanoscale alumina/protein gel composite films

Scratch depth in geletin films and tearing

within the scratch decrease with the addition
of nanoscale(13nm) alumina fibres

Micron size Al2O3 filter increased the

scratch width , gave poor particle dispersion
and low transperency of the films.

Optical activity of the nanofilled

composites much higher than composites with
micron size fiber.

Optical clarity : visible light scattering to be avoided

Nanoscale alumina/protein gel composite films
 Types of Nanocomposites

Ceramic Matrix Nanocomposite

Metal Matrix Nanocomposite

Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite

 Ceramic Matrix Nanocomposite

 Main part of the volume is occupied by a ceramic

i.e. a chemical compound from the group of oxides,
nitrides, borides, silicides etc..
 Ceramic matrix nanocomposites encompass a metal
as the second component.
 Nanocomposite from these combinations enhances
optical, electrical and magnetic properties as well
as corrosion- resistance and other protective
properties
 Ceramic Matrix Nanocomposite

 Ceramic metal composite of TiO2(matrix) and Cu

showed a high mechanical hardness, small
coefficients of frictions and high resistance to
corrosion.
 Metal Matrix Nanocomposite

 Classified as continuous and non continuous

reinforced materials.
 E.g. Carbon nanotube metal matrix composites,
boron nitride reinforced metal matrix composites
and carbon nitride metal matrix composites
 Developed to take advantage of the high tensile
strength and electrical conductivity of carbon
nanotube materials.
 Polymer Matrix Nanocomposite
 Polymer materials are widely used in industry due to their
ease of production, lightweight and often ductile nature.
However, they have some disadvantages, such as low
modulus and strength compared to metals and ceramics.
 In this context, a very effective approach to improve
mechanical properties is to add fibres, whiskers, platelets or
particles as reinforcements to the polymer matrix.
 Using this approach, polymers can be improved while
keeping their lightweight and ductile nature. Another
important aspect is that nanoscale reinforcements have an
exceptional potential to generate new phenomena, which
leads to special properties in these materials.
Polymer Nanocomposite
 Bio Nanocomposites : class of hybrid materials
derived from natural and synthetic biodegradable
polymers and organic/inorganic fillers.
 e.g. hydroxyapatite(HAP)-polymer nano composite
used as a biocompatible subtitute for bone repair
and implementation.
 Drawbacks : HAP is difficult shape because of its
brittleness and lack of flexibility. HAP powders can
migrate from implanted sites, thus making them
inappropriate for use.
Polymer Nanocomposite
 To overcome this : incorporation of HAP in polymeric
nanocomposite.
 Polysaccharide and polypepditic matrices have
been used with HAP nanoparticles for compostite
formation.
 Applications
 Nanocomposites have wide range of applications.
Shape memory Polymer Nanocomposite

SMP matrix are active materials capable of

recovering relatively large mechanical strains
due to the application of heat

Applications :

As an actuation material in MEMS(Micro

Electro Mechanical Systems)

SMP based bio MEMS typically perform in-

vivo functions such as gripping or releasing of
therapeutic medical devices within blood vessels.

SMP matrix and SiC Nanoparticulate reinforcement.

Shape Memory Alloys
 Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) are used in reconstructive
surgery where sustained pressure is needed for faster healing
process. Nickel and Titanium alloy developed by Naval
Ordinance laboratory.
Nanospikes : Converts CO2 to Ethonal

 The researchers, who work at the Department of

Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory,
developed a process that adds "nano-spikes“(a
catalyst) (essentially tiny bursts) of carbon and
copper to CO2 to transform it into ethanol, the type
of alcohol found in hand sanitizer and alcoholic
drinks.
Carbon Nanotubes
 CNTs have extraordinary electrical conductivity,
heat conductivity, and mechanical properties
 CNTs have wide range of applications :
o Molecular Electronics
o Energy Storage
o Structural Composites
o Bio medical applications
o Ceramic applications
o Air and water filters etc…
Carbon Nanotubes
References :
NPTEL Lectures : Nanocomposites 1: Module 3 Lec 27 & 28
https://www.cheaptubes.com/carbon-nanotubes-applications/

Videos links:-
Carbon Nanofiber Reinforced Syntactic Foam
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sr90p5IHmM
Spinning nanotube fibers at Rice University
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XDJC64tDR0
Thank You