An Experimental Investigation on the Tensile Behavior of Silane-Modified MMT/Epoxy Nanocomposites

It is well-known that the mechanical properties of nanocomposites are better than those of conventional composites. One of problems in fabricating nanocomposites is a dispersion of nanoparticles in the composites. In this study, the effect of MMT content on the tensile characteristics of trifunctional silane-treated MMT/epoxy nanocomposite was investigated. It was found that the tensile strength and the elastic modulus increased by over 24% and 83%, respectively, as the content of MMT increases from 2wt% to 10wt%. The improvement of tensile strength and modulus with increasing content of MMT occurs because the reinforcing effect of MMT becomes greater than the deteriorating effect due to the interfacial debonding between MMT and epoxy as the MMT content increases.

Controlling the Particle Size of Quantum Dots Incorporated in Hybrid Materials

Semiconductor PbS quantum dot-doped Ormocers were successfully prepared by the sol-gel technique. Ormocers preparation was based on the use of trifunctional silane precursors at the solution stage. Formation of PbS particles took place in the pores of the Ormocers through lead precursor reaction with H2S gas. It was observed that temperature was an important factor in the reaction leading to the first appearance of PbS particles. The dot size of PbS was controlled through chemical interaction with the non-hydrolyzed groups of the trifunctional silane precursors. These groups prevent uncontrolled nucleation and aggregation processes during the particle formation and growth. The control of particle size was studied at different conditions for nucleation and aggregation. Determination of the average particle size was done by XR-Diffraction. Optical absorption spectra were also measured at the UV-VIS wavelength range. Absorption edge blue shifts show the quantum confinement effect in these materials.