Silica nano-particle filled polymers: Debonding and microstructure

The use of thermosetting polymer composites and adhesives in structural applications such as electric cars is limited by the poor toughness due to its highly crosslinked structure. addition a small weight fraction silica nano-particles thermoset polymers effective means improving mechanical properties polymer, but not seen with micro-sized particles. This effect has been investigated using experiments numerical analysis. ‘plasticity’ experimental results can be attributed debonding particles criterion found initiation fracture energy debond particle. microstructure examined determine dispersion both quantitively qualitatively, some differences have observed. These simulations, different values strain are for small-scale microstructures. these simulations explain adding nano-sized scale clustering. new analysis increase confidence ability achieve consistently high levels nano-particle composites.