Design criteria and nanomaterial properties for maximum mechanical reinforcement

3 Design criteria and nanomaterial properties for maximum mechanical reinforcement 

The efficacy of nanomaterials as reinforcing agents depend on several factors such as nanomaterial morphology, aspect ratio, surface area, functionalization state, nanomaterial aggregation, and changes in aoss-linldng density of polymer matrix. Maximum mechanical reinforcement is achieved as a result of a complex interplay of these several factors. In this section, we will review these parameters and discuss strategies for maximum mechanical reinforcement. 

Several studies have suggested that a reduction in the aspect ratio of nanoparticles results in improvements in mechanical properties. Sitharaman et al. have shown that 

MWCNT-, SWGONR-, MWGONR-, GONP-, and MSNP-reinforced PPF scaffolds at 0.01 to 0.2 wt% nanomaterial-loading concentrations. 

Data are reported as mean standard deviation for n=5 samples. represents significant differences from PPF composites (baseline control), and represents significant difference from SWCNT and MWCNT nanocomposites at p 0.05. 

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