Structural Nanocomposites

摘要

Materials scientists predict that composites made with nanoscale reinforcing materials such as nano-tubes, platelets, and nanofibers will have exceptional mechanical properties. However, the results obtained so far are disappointing, particularly when compared to advanced composites reinforced with high-performance continuous fibers (1-4). The reasons include inadequate dispersion and alignment of the nanoreinforcement, low nanoreinforcement volume fraction, and poor bonding and load transfer at interfaces. Intensive work is under way, but the prospect of bulk structural super-nanocomposites appears more remote now than it did just a few years ago. However, recent work shows that some applications in reinforcement of small structures may have a near-term payoff that can foster longer-term work on nanocomposites.