Mechanical Properties of Syntactic Foam

The discovery of carbon nanostructured materials has inspired a range of potential applications. More specifically, the use of carbon nanotubes in polymer composites has attracted wide attention. Carbon nanotubes have a unique atomic structure, a very high aspect ratio, and extraordinary mechanical properties (strength and flexibility), making them ideal reinforcing compounds. Moreover, carbon nanotubes are susceptible to chemical functionalization, which broaden their applicability. For instance, surface functionalization of carbon nanotubes is an attractive route for increasing their compatibility with polymers in composites, also improving the dispersability in raw materials and the wettability. 

Other studies of the effect of carbon nanotubes on the mechanical properties of polymers are calculated in Table 3.9. 

---

Syntactic foams manufactured from hollow glass or silica microspheres and an epoxide, phenolic or other matrix resin represent a class of lightweight structural materials used for buoyancy purposes, insulation and packaging. The effect of silanes on the mechanical properties of syntactic foams at a nominal density of 0.35 g/cm3 is shown in Tables 14-16. The Proportional Limit is defined as the greatest stress which the foam is capable of sustaining without any deviation from proportionality of stress to strain (Hooke s Law). 

---