Nanomechanical Characterization of Hybrid Multiwall Carbon Nanotube and Fumed Silica Epoxy Nanocomposites

The efficiency of epoxy reinforcements provided by multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and fumed silica particles as well as hybrids of these two materials was assessed. Also, comparisons between the mechanical properties were performed as obtained from macroscale and nanoscale experimental methods in the form of uniaxial tensile tests and instrumented nanoindentation testing. The results showed that the material stiffness and hardness is higher for nanocomposites having 1%wt MWCNTs while the lowest values were obtained for the hybrid nanocomposites. The nanoindentation technique proved an effective method of measuring the mechanical properties providing that a suitable calibration method is followed.