Title
Mechanical characterization and induced crystallization in nanocomposites of thermoplastics and carbon nanotubes
Date Issued
01 December 2020
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Villegas-Rodríguez G.J.
Jäger T.
Valentini L.
Pugno N.M.
Gkagkas K.
Gräter F.
Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Publisher(s)
Nature Research
Abstract
Nanocomposites built from polymers and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are a promising class of materials. Computer modeling can provide nanoscale views of the polymer–CNT interface, which are much needed to foster the manufacturing and development of such materials. However, setting up periodic nanocomposite models is a challenging task. Here we propose a computational workflow based on Molecular Dynamics simulations. We demonstrate its capabilities and showcase its applications, focusing on two existing nanocomposite materials: polystyrene (PS) with CNT and polyether ether ketone with CNT. The models provide insights into the polymer crystallization inside CNTs. Furthermore, the PS+CNT nanocomposite models are mechanically tested and able to predict an enhancement in Young’s modulus due to the addition of highly dispersed CNTs. We accompany those results with experimental tests and provide a prediction model based on Dynamic Quantized Fracture Mechanics theory. Our study proposes representative simulations of polymer–CNT nanocomposites as promising tools to guide the rational design of this class of materials.
Volume
6
Issue
1
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Mecánica aplicada Ingeniería mecánica
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85092435944
Source
npj Computational Materials
ISSN of the container
2057-3960
Sponsor(s)
The authors thank Ana Paula Vargas for revisions of the nanocomposite tool and Silvia Bittolo Bon for PS nanocomposite preparations and performing SEM analysis. The authors gratefully acknowledge the computing time granted by the John von Neumann Institute for Computing at Jülich Supercomputing Centre in Juropa supercomputer (project HHD24). We also thank the PRACE committee for granting us supercomputer time at High Performance Computing Center Stuttgart in Hermit/ Hornet supercomputers (project PP14102332). E.R.C.C. acknowledges additional support from the Fundacion Cristina e Ismael Cobian through Beca de Retorno. N.M.P. is supported by the European Commision under the Graphene Fragship Core 3 grant No. 881603 (WP12, "Composites").
Sources of information: Directorio de Producción Científica Scopus