Researchers at Rice University created a nanocomposite material that unexpectedly got stronger the more it was compressed, unlike normal materials that weaken with repeated stress. The material consisted of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes infiltrated with a polymer. When subjected to over 3.5 million compressions over a week, the material's stiffness increased by 12 percent, and it seemed to be further stiffening. The researchers believe the continually evolving fluid interface between the nanotubes and polymer under stress causes this effect, enhanced by the large surface area provided by the nanotubes. This type of responsive material could potentially be used to create artificial cartilage that adapts to applied forces while remaining elastic where unstressed.
1. Nano Composite Material
Today we dedicate this blog to the nanocomposite materials ,
what could create stronger nanocomposites and calculation of
high cycle fatigue.
Let’s begin this way to make an analogy……if someone does
a lot of arm curls at the gym, it would typically result in a
strengthening of the bones and muscles in their arms. The
researchers at Houston’s Rice University unexpectedly
created a nanocomposite that behaves in the same way.
Although the material which has no response to static stress,
repeated mechanical stress will cause it to become stiffer.
2. The splendid discovery was done in the lab of Pulickel
Ajayan, Rice University professor of mechanical engineering
and materials science and chemistry. Graduate student Brent
Carey dis the task of creating a composite material by
infiltrating a batch of vertically arranged, multi-walled
nanotubes with Polydimethylsiloxane, which is an inert,
rubbery polymer. He was testing the high-cycle fatigue
properties of the composite and was overwhelmed to discover
that instead of weakening when subjected to repeated loads,
it actually got stronger.
3. Over the duration of a week, the material was subjected to
about 3.5 million compressions. This caused its stiffness to
enhance by 12 percent, with further indications that there was
potential to stiffen it more. The cause for this type of reaction
is yet some sort of mystery.
Carey said that they were able to prevent further cross-linking
in the polymer as an explanation. The data says that there is
a very little chemical interaction, between the nanotubes and
the polymer, and it seems that this fluid interface continuously
evolves during applying stress.
4. What is known is that the use of nanomaterials greatly
enhances the surface area available to that fluid interface, so
whatever reaction is occurring is much more pronounced than
would be the case with a regular composite.
Carey is already imagining potential uses for materials
utilizing the process. He said that they can envision this
response will be attractive for creating artificial cartilage that
can respond to the forces being applied to it but remains
elastic in areas which are not being stressed.
5. So hope you liked the information provided, we shall keep
updating in time.
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