Dynamic response and reinforcement mechanism of composites embedded with tetraneedlelike ZnO nanowhiskers

A type of glass-fiber reinforced composites was prepared by dispersing tetraneedlelike ZnO nanowhiskers in epoxy matrix. The as-prepared composites exhibited excellent dynamic mechanical properties after the effective dispersion of ZnO nanowhiskers in epoxy. Patulous and fractured reinforcement modes for the composites were proposed. The high strength of composites was attributed to the three dimensional structure of tetraneedlelike ZnO nanowhiskers and the corresponding stress transfer. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.