Investigating the mechanisms of improving mechanical properties by adding nanoparticles to composites

A nanoparticle or an infinitesimal particle is usually defined as a particle of matter that has a diameter between 1 and 100 nanometers (nm). The properties of nanoparticles often differ significantly from larger particles of matter. Nanoparticles show different dislocation mechanics, which together with their unique surface structure, lead to different mechanical properties from bulk materials. Nowadays, by adding nanoparticles, the mechanical properties of composites are improved. Due to their small size, nanoparticles increase the surface area between the base material and the reinforcement and therefore improve the mechanical properties. The type of nanoparticle used, dimensions, weight percentage and the way of nanoparticle distribution are determining factors in improving mechanical properties. In the present study, while presenting the concepts related to nanocomposite, the effect of five different nanoparticles on the common mechanical properties considered by structural designers is investigated. The results show that the addition of nanoparticles up to a certain weight percentage improves the properties, and more than that amount sometimes has the opposite effect, one of the reasons for which is the clumping of nanoparticles.