http://jrp.sagepub.com/content/29/18/2744.abstract

http://image.sciencenet.cn/olddata/kexue.com.cn/upload/blog/file/2009/6/200966153544300673.pdf

http://www.omikk.bme.hu/collections/phd/Vegyeszmernoki_es_Biomernoki_Kar/2010/Renner_Karoly/tezis_eng.pdf

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781118097298.weoc180/abstract

http://www.iccm-central.org/Proceedings/ICCM17proceedings/Themes/Materials/INTERPHASES%20%26%20INTERFACES/D7.1%20Pukanszky.pdf

have you searched articles by Prof Lin Ye?

There are many factors that affect the reinforcement characteristics of the nanoparticles in a given matrix. Factors include concentration, shape, size, and surface treatment. (contributed by Dr. Jennifer Hoffman, PhD, MSE)

Thanks !!!

As it was mentioned in the comment of Karen Rayment, "There are many factors that affect the reinforcement characteristics of the nanoparticles in a given matrix". That's correct.

Our own experiments show the following.

1. The maximal effect on the mechanical strength can be reached at different concentrations of the same nanofiller in various matrices.

2. For a particular matrix maximum effect can be achieved at a certain (optimal) concentration of filler, and sometimes it's very low concentration (hundredths of a percent). Then further increase the concentration of the nanoparticles leads to a degradation in mechanical properties of the polymer

3. Important for organic nanoparticles. The maximal effect was observed with chemical surface functionalization of nanoparticles.

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Some aspects of the topic are highlighted in our recent article in "Colloid and Polymer Science" of March 2013: Colloid Polym Sci (2013) 291:573-583

"The role of interfacial chemistry and interactions in the dynamics of thermosetting polyurethane multiwalled carbon nanotube composites at low filler contents"

As it was mentioned in the comment of Pavel Yakushev, is very important know the distribution of the nanoparticles in matrix. Dielectric messearument can you help of the system.

http://jrp.sagepub.com/content/29/18/2744.abstract

http://image.sciencenet.cn/olddata/kexue.com.cn/upload/blog/file/2009/6/200966153544300673.pdf

http://www.omikk.bme.hu/collections/phd/Vegyeszmernoki_es_Biomernoki_Kar/2010/Renner_Karoly/tezis_eng.pdf

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/9781118097298.weoc180/abstract

http://www.iccm-central.org/Proceedings/ICCM17proceedings/Themes/Materials/INTERPHASES%20%26%20INTERFACES/D7.1%20Pukanszky.pdf

I would totally agree with Dr. Pavel Yakushev that well dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix is must for the enhancement of impact properties of nano composites. Additionally, I would consider some more factors which are as follows.

1. Characteristics of interface between nanoparticles and matrix could be an important factor.

2. Aspect ratio of the nanoparticles filling the nanocomposites could be an encouraging factor.

As a first estimate of how the nanoparticles will affect the mechanical behavior of the nanocomposite, use the rule of mixtures:

Pc = (P1 x V1) + (P2 x V2)

where:

• Pc is the strength (or some other property of interest) for the composite;

• P1 is the value of the property interest for phase 1 (ie: strength of ZnO);

• P2 is the value of the property interest for phase 2 (oe: strength of starch);

• V1 is the volume fraction of phase 1;

• V2 is the volume fraction of phase 2

Of course, you must know (or be able to estimate) the strength of each components (starch polymer and ZnO nanoparticle). However, size and distribution effects may also prove to be very important, but the rule of mixtures is a good place to start.

Hope that helps!

Besides the concentration of nanoparticles in a polymer nanocomposite, there are many others factors that affect the mechanical properties. A little list of the more important is presented below:

The mechanical properties of the nanoparticles and the matrix;

The nature of nanoparticles;

The type of interaction between the nanoparticles and polymer matrix;

Size and shape of nanoparticles;

Quality of dispersion and distribution nanoparticles.

So, the complexity of the problem turns almost impossible the development of a general rule that can predict that. Each system must to be investigated and the findings organized in a reasonable rule.