Polymer nanocomposites are used in many applications; from scratch resistant surface coatings to dielectric constant enhanced optoelectronic devices. Among all applications, mechanical robustness is crucial. Two mechanical properties in particular are important for performance: elastic modulus and failure resistance. The elastic modulus describes a material’s resistance to deformation. The failure properties for many glassy polymers are related to the onset and growth of crazes, which can occur at very low tensile strains (1% for polystyrene). Thus, understanding the effect of nano-sized fillers on both crazing and elasticity is critical for the success of numerous applications. Nano-sized fillers can significantly alter elastic and crazing properties. Numerous experimental measurements have demonstrated this control, but relatively few model materials have been developed to isolate the fundamental mechanisms that give rise to these unique properties. In our research, we use a model material system of enthalpicly neutral, monodisperse nanoparticles in a linear polymer matrix to understand the fundamental mechanism that dictates the mechanical properties of nanocomposites.
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