Optimizing the Structure and Mechanical Properties of Chiral-Nematic CNC Templates for Tough Bioinspired Polymer Composites

摘要

1. Bimodal length distribution: a viable strategy to maximize toughness a. Strategy can be employed in other matrix-free ensembles, 2. Adding t-CNCs results in synergistic enhancements in modulus and strain at break a. 10 to 19-fold enhancement in toughness at t-CNC content ≥ 10%. Cost effective, since w-CNCs are much cheaper. b. t-CNCs found to enhance pullout and bridging. Likely property enhancements from increased overlap lengths. 3. Blended films are UV reflecting. 4. Out of plane properties remain to be tested.