Toughening mechanisms in multiphase nanocomposites

Our research is concerned with nanoreinforced structural adhesive bonds (SAB) for aerospace applications that contain dissimilar substrates and a theromoset epoxy adhesive with dispersed nanofillers. The interactions between these different phases results in unique fracture properties and mechanisms that dictate the toughness of the nanocomposite. In view of the varied length-scale, one cannot implement mere traditional approaches to evaluate the possible toughening mechanisms needed to ensure the integrity of the multiphase nanocomposite. Our current research is devoted to establishing the appropriate toughening mechanisms in multiphase nanocomposites by adopting traditional mechanisms such as crack-bridging, crack deflection, crack pinning and void nucleation, as well as investigating new nano-mechanisms such as fracture ridge creation. In this paper, the toughening mechanisms of carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced polymer SABs are identified and their effects quantified in order to effectively estimate the fracture toughness of nanocomposite. Specific attention is devoted to examining the effect of dispersion of the nanofillers upon the strengthening mechanisms and interfacial debonding in nanocomposites, and the propensity of agglomerations-assisted crack initiation sites using atomistic based continuum modeling techniques.