Unlocking the Strength of Nanocomposites: Mitigating the Impact of Nanoparticle Agglomeration on Tensile Performance

Abstract

This study investigates the substantial impact of nanoparticle aggregation on the tensile strength of nanocomposite materials. Nanoparticles measuring between 10 nm and 30 nm were examined using deliberate controlled agglomeration. The smallest agglomeration size was 10 nm, while the largest was 30 nm, indicating a 200% increase in agglomerate size based on the characterization data. The equally dispersed nanoparticles in the control group also measure an average tensile strength of 53MPa from the tests conducted. On the other hand, observed that the tensile strengths of nanocomposites with introduced agglomerates were lower. In the current study, a 34% reduction was observed for samples with agglomerates of 30 nm to a value of 35 MPa from the control. On the other hand, the sample prepared with the agglomerates of size 10 nm and 15 nm provided 50 MPa and 45 MPa of strength, respectively. Outcome shows that tensile strength is in negative correlation with the size of agglomeration and therefore, yield that the larger agglomerate reduce the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. This study stresses that the agglomeration has to be regulated, and how the formation of nanoparticle clusters have a negative impact on the tensile strength of the nanocomposites, in order to enhance the mechanical properties of nanocomposite materials. These findings are useful in planning improved nanocomposites with improved mechanical properties for use in a wide-range of applications in engineering.