Frequency-tunable toughening in a polymer-metal-ceramic stack using an interfacial molecular nanolayer

Abstract

Interfacial toughening in composite materials is reasonably well understood for static loading, but little is known for cyclic loading. Here, we demonstrate that introducing an interfacial molecular nanolayer at the metal-ceramic interface of a layered polymer-metal-ceramic stack triples the fracture energy for ~75–300 Hz loading, yielding 40% higher values than the static-loading fracture energy. We show that this unexpected frequency-dependent toughening is underpinned by nanolayer-induced interface strengthening, which facilitates load transfer to, and plasticity in, the polymer layer. Above a threshold interfacial bond strength, the toughening magnitude and frequency range are primarily controlled by the frequency- and temperature-dependent rheological properties of the polymer. These results indicate the tunability of the toughening behavior through suitable choice of interfacial molecular layers and polymers. Our findings open up possibilities for realizing novel composites with inorganic-organic interfaces, e.g., arresting crack growth or stimulating controlled fracture triggered by loads with specific frequency characteristics.

Preparation of intercalating halloysite by in situ synthesized polymethyl methacrylate and its effects on the crystallization behaviors and mechanical properties of polylactic acid composites

“…According to Kwan et al, based on certain conditions, including particle size and homogeneous dispersity, inorganics can act as toughening agents in polymers. [ 37 ] It can be considered that the improvement of PLA/PMMA‐HNTs can be attributed to the dispersion of PMMA‐HNTs in PLA matrix. Nevertheless, a higher content of PMMA‐HNTs agglomerate still co‐exists in the PLA matrix, resulting in a decrease in mechanical properties.…”

Viscoelastic bandgap in multilayers of inorganic–organic nanolayer interfaces

“…Our recent work 3 revealed interfacial MNL-induced toughening at select loading frequencies in polymer/metal/MNL/oxide structures, wherein the dynamic fracture energy under cyclic loading exceeds the static loading value. This unusual frequency response was traced to MNL-induced deformation in the proximal metal and the distal polymer layers.…”

Heteroatom Introduction to Reconstruct Interfacial Chemical Structures for High-Reliability CFRTP/A6061-T6 Hybrid Structures

“…Owing to the easy processing, lightweight, insulation, and anti-corrosion property, , thermoplastics and carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTP) have been widely used to replace high-density metals to achieve the lightweight design concept in aerospace, which not only improves the maneuverability of advanced aircraft but also reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emission. , In recent years, various programs such as Copernicus, Earth Explorer, and Cosmic Visions have been performed to discover and explore space. − The fact urges scholars to develop feasible technologies to manufacture ultra-strong and ultra-light structural components to be safely and easily applied in advanced aircraft. , …”