The thesis consists of four parts of which part 1 presents a brief overview of nanomaterials. Parts 2, 3 and 4 contain results of investigations of graphene, nanofilms of noble metal nanoparticles and ZnO nanostructures respectively. Investigations of graphene are described in Part 2 which consists of six chapters. In Chapter 2.1, changes in the electronic structure and properties of graphene induced by molecular charge-transfer have been discussed. Chapter 2.2 deals with the results of a study of the interaction of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles with graphene. Electrical and dielectric properties of graphene-polymer composites are presented in Chapter 2.3. Chapter 2.4 presents photo-thermal effects observed in laser-induced chemical transformations in graphene and other nanocarbons system. Chapter 2.5 describes the mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites reinforced by fewlayer graphene investigated by nano-indentation. The extraordinary synergy found in the mechanical properties of polymer matrix composites reinforced with two nanocarbons of different dimensionalities constitute the subject matter of Chapter 2.6. Investigations of noble metal nanoparticles have been described in Part 3. In Chapter 3.1, ferromagnetism exhibited by nanoparticles of noble metals is discussed in detail while Chapter 3.2 deals with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of molecules adsorbed on nanocrystalline Au and Ag films formed at the organic–aqueous interface. Factors affecting laser-excited photoluminescence from ZnO nanostructures are examined in great detail in Part 4.

abstract: Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are attractive structural materials due to their high stiffness to low weight ratio. However, unidirectional PMCs have low shear strength and failure can occur along kink bands that develop on compression due to plastic microbuckling that carry strains large enough to induce nonlinear matrix deformation. Reviewing the literature, a large fraction of the existing work is for uniaxial compression, and the effects of stress gradients, such as those present during bending, have not been as well explored, and these effects are bound to make difference in terms of kink band nucleation and growth. Furthermore, reports on experimental measurements of strain fields leading to and developing inside these bands in the presence of stress gradients are also scarce and need to be addressed to gain a full understanding of their behavior when UDCs are used under bending and other spatially complex stress states. In a light to bridge the aforementioned gaps, the primary focus of this work is to understand mechanisms for kink band evolution under an influence of stress-gradients induced during bending. Digital image correlation (DIC) is used to measure strains inside and around the kink bands during 3-point bending of samples with 0°/90° stacking made of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene Fibers. Measurements indicate bands nucleate at the compression side and propagate into the sample carrying a mixture of large shear and normal strains (~33%), while also decreasing its bending stiffness. Failure was produced by a combination of plastic microbuckling and axial splitting. The microstructure of the kink bands was studied and used in a microstructurally explicit finite element model (FEM) to analyze stresses and strains at ply level in the samples during kink band evolution, using cohesive zone elements to represent the interfaces between plies. Cohesive element properties were deduced by a combination of delamination, fracture and three-point bending tests used to calibrate the FEMs. Modeling results show that the band morphology is sensitive to the shear and opening properties of the interfaces between the plies. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Mechanical Engineering 2016

High performance polymer composites are materials with emphasis on specific chemical and mechanical properties due to their broad scope of applications. The main advantages are high strenght and toughness in comparison with their low weight and density. An increased adhesion at composite interfaces is important to ensure excellent composite properties. Bundles of glass fibers were coated by plasma-polymerised interlayers of tetravinylsilane (pp-TVS) of different thicknesses and at different effective powers. The prepared interlayers of pp-TVS were analyzed to evaluate chemical composition (RBS, FTIR, XPS) and mechanical properties (NI-AFM). Microindentation test and fiber-bundle pull-out test were used to determine the interfacial shear strenght.

<div>As the use of fiber-reinforced polymer composites grows in aerospace structures, there is an emerging need to implement damage tolerant approaches. The use of <i>in-situ</i> synchrotron X-ray tomography enables direct observations of progressive damage relative to the microstructural features, which is studied in a T650/5320 laminate composite with varying layup orientations (using 45^o and -45^o plies) in a compact tension specimen geometry. Specifically, the interactions of micromechanical damage mechanisms at the notch tip were analyzed through 3D image processing as the crack grew. First, monotonic tests were conducted where X-ray tomography was acquired incrementally between the unloaded state and maximum load. The analysis of the monotonic tension specimens showed intralaminar cracking was dominant during crack initiation, delamination became prevalent during the later stages of crack progression, and fiber breakage was, in general, largely related to intralaminar cracking. After the monotonic tension analysis, modifications were made to the specimen geometry and the loading assembly, and fatigue tests were conducted, also using <i>in-situ</i> synchrotron X-ray tomography. Specifically, tomography images were acquired after select intervals of cyclic loading to examine the crack growth behavior up to 5802 cycles. The analysis of the fatigue tests showed that intralaminar cracking was also dominant, while localized delamination allowed ply cross-over. A finite element analysis was conducted by comparing the crack profile at varying intervals of loading, and the change in stored energy per cycle, dU/dN, was calculated. The combined experimental and simulation analysis showed that when the per ply values of dU/dN were examined, the intralaminar cracking rate collapsed to one curve regardless of the ply orientation, where direct observations of fiber bridging were characterized and associated with a reduction in crack growth rate for the influenced ply. Overall, this work provides a physical understanding of the micromechanics facilitating intralaminar crack growth in composites, providing engineers the necessary assessments for slow crack growth approaches in structural composite materials.<br></div>

No description available.

Vielschichtige Eigenschaftsprofile benötigen zunehmend moderne Verbundwerkstoffe und Werkstoffverbunde einschließlich der raschen Entfaltung neuer Fertigungstechnologien, da der monolithische Werkstoff bzw. ein einziger Werkstoff den heutigen komplexen Anforderungen nicht mehr genügen kann. Zukünftige Werkstoffsysteme haben wirtschaftlich eine Schlüsselposition und sind auf den Wachstumsmärkten von grundlegender Bedeutung. Gefragt sind maßgeschneiderte Leichtbauwerkstoffe (tailor-made composites) mit einem adaptierten Design. Dazu müssen Konzepte entwickelt werden, um die Kombination der Komponenten optimal zu gestalten. Das erfordert werkstoffspezifisches Wissen und Korrelationsvermögen sowie die Gestaltung komplexer Technologien, auch unter dem Aspekt der kontinuierlichen Massen- und Großserienfertigung (in-line, in-situ) und damit der Kostenreduzierung bislang teurer Verbundwerkstoffe und Werkstoffverbunde. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird in vergleichbarer und vergleichender Art und Weise sowie abstrahierter Form ein Bogen über das Gesamtgebiet der Verbundwerkstoffe und Werkstoffverbunde gespannt. Eine zusammenfassende Publikation über dieses noch sehr junge, aber bereits breit aufgestellte Wissenschaftsgebiet fehlt bislang. Das ist der Separierung der einzelnen, fest aufgeteilten Gruppierungen der Verbundwerkstoffe geschuldet. Querverbindungen werden selten hergestellt. Dieses Defizit in einem gewissen Maße auszugleichen, ist Ziel der Arbeit. Besondere Berücksichtigung finden Begriffsbestimmungen und Klassifikationen, Herstellungsverfahren und Eigenschaften der Werkstoffe. Es werden klare Strukturierungen und Übersichten herausgearbeitet. Zuordnungen von etablierten und neuen Technologien sollen zur Begriffsstabilität der Terminologien „Mischbauweise“ und „Hybrider Verbund“ beitragen. Zudem wird die Problematik „Recycling und Recyclingtechnologien“ diskutiert. Zusammenfassend werden Handlungsfelder zukünftiger Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekte spezifiziert. Aus dem Blickwinkel der verschiedenen Herstellungsrouten insbesondere für Halbzeuge und Bauteile und der dabei gewonnenen Erkenntnisse werden verallgemeinerte Konzepte für tailor-made Verbundwerkstoffe und Werkstoffverbunde vorgeschlagen („Stellschraubenschema“). Diese allgemeinen Werkstoffkonzepte werden auf eigene aktuelle Forschungsprojekte der Schwerpunktthemen Metallmatrix- und Polymermatrix-Verbundwerkstoffe sowie der hybriden Werkstoffverbunde appliziert. Forschungsfelder für zukünftige Projekte werden abgeleitet. Besonderes Augenmerk gilt den hybriden Verbunden als tragende Säule zukünftiger Entwicklungen im Leichtbau. Hier spielen in-line- und in-situ-Prozesse eine entscheidende Rolle für eine großseriennahe, kosteneffiziente und ressourcenschonende Produktion. / Complex property profiles require increasingly advanced composite materials and material compounds, including the rapid deployment of new production technologies, because the monolithic material or a single material can no longer satisfy today's complex requirements. Future material systems are fundamentally important to growth markets, in which they have an economically key position. Tailor-made lightweight materials (tailor-made composites) with an adapted design are needed. These concepts have to be developed to design the optimum combination of components. This requires material-specific knowledge and the ability to make correlations, as well as the design of complex technologies. Continuous large-scale and mass production (in-line, in-situ), thus reducing the costs of previously expensive composite materials and material compounds, is also necessary. The present work spans the entire field of composite materials and material compounds in a comparable and comparative manner and abstract form. A summarizing publication on this still very new, but already broad-based scientific field is not yet available. The separation of the individual, firmly divided groups of the composite materials is the reason for this. Cross-connections are rarely made. The objective of this work is to compensate to some extent for this deficiency. Special consideration is given to definitions and classifications, manufacturing processes and the properties of the materials. Clear structures and overviews are presented. Mapping established and new technologies will contribute to the stability of the terms "mixed material compounds" and "hybrid material compounds". In addition, the problem of recycling and recycling technologies is discussed. In summary, areas for future research and development projects will be specified. Generalized concepts for tailor-made composite materials and material compounds are proposed ("adjusting screw scheme") with an eye toward various production routes, especially for semi-finished products and components, and the associated findings. These general material concepts are applied to own current research projects pertaining to metal-matrix and polymer-matrix composites and hybrid material compounds. Research fields for future projects are extrapolated. Particular attention is paid to hybrid material compounds as the mainstay of future developments in lightweight construction. In-line and in-situ processes play a key role for large-scale, cost- and resource-efficient production.

Vielschichtige Eigenschaftsprofile benötigen zunehmend moderne Verbundwerkstoffe und Werkstoffverbunde einschließlich der raschen Entfaltung neuer Fertigungstechnologien, da der monolithische Werkstoff bzw. ein einziger Werkstoff den heutigen komplexen Anforderungen nicht mehr genügen kann. Zukünftige Werkstoffsysteme haben wirtschaftlich eine Schlüsselposition und sind auf den Wachstumsmärkten von grundlegender Bedeutung. Gefragt sind maßgeschneiderte Leichtbauwerkstoffe (tailor-made composites) mit einem adaptierten Design. Dazu müssen Konzepte entwickelt werden, um die Kombination der Komponenten optimal zu gestalten. Das erfordert werkstoffspezifisches Wissen und Korrelationsvermögen sowie die Gestaltung komplexer Technologien, auch unter dem Aspekt der kontinuierlichen Massen- und Großserienfertigung (in-line, in-situ) und damit der Kostenreduzierung bislang teurer Verbundwerkstoffe und Werkstoffverbunde. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird in vergleichbarer und vergleichender Art und Weise sowie abstrahierter Form ein Bogen über das Gesamtgebiet der Verbundwerkstoffe und Werkstoffverbunde gespannt. Eine zusammenfassende Publikation über dieses noch sehr junge, aber bereits breit aufgestellte Wissenschaftsgebiet fehlt bislang. Das ist der Separierung der einzelnen, fest aufgeteilten Gruppierungen der Verbundwerkstoffe geschuldet. Querverbindungen werden selten hergestellt. Dieses Defizit in einem gewissen Maße auszugleichen, ist Ziel der Arbeit. Besondere Berücksichtigung finden Begriffsbestimmungen und Klassifikationen, Herstellungsverfahren und Eigenschaften der Werkstoffe. Es werden klare Strukturierungen und Übersichten herausgearbeitet. Zuordnungen von etablierten und neuen Technologien sollen zur Begriffsstabilität der Terminologien „Mischbauweise“ und „Hybrider Verbund“ beitragen. Zudem wird die Problematik „Recycling und Recyclingtechnologien“ diskutiert. Zusammenfassend werden Handlungsfelder zukünftiger Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekte spezifiziert. Aus dem Blickwinkel der verschiedenen Herstellungsrouten insbesondere für Halbzeuge und Bauteile und der dabei gewonnenen Erkenntnisse werden verallgemeinerte Konzepte für tailor-made Verbundwerkstoffe und Werkstoffverbunde vorgeschlagen („Stellschraubenschema“). Diese allgemeinen Werkstoffkonzepte werden auf eigene aktuelle Forschungsprojekte der Schwerpunktthemen Metallmatrix- und Polymermatrix-Verbundwerkstoffe sowie der hybriden Werkstoffverbunde appliziert. Forschungsfelder für zukünftige Projekte werden abgeleitet. Besonderes Augenmerk gilt den hybriden Verbunden als tragende Säule zukünftiger Entwicklungen im Leichtbau. Hier spielen in-line- und in-situ-Prozesse eine entscheidende Rolle für eine großseriennahe, kosteneffiziente und ressourcenschonende Produktion. / Complex property profiles require increasingly advanced composite materials and material compounds, including the rapid deployment of new production technologies, because the monolithic material or a single material can no longer satisfy today's complex requirements. Future material systems are fundamentally important to growth markets, in which they have an economically key position. Tailor-made lightweight materials (tailor-made composites) with an adapted design are needed. These concepts have to be developed to design the optimum combination of components. This requires material-specific knowledge and the ability to make correlations, as well as the design of complex technologies. Continuous large-scale and mass production (in-line, in-situ), thus reducing the costs of previously expensive composite materials and material compounds, is also necessary. The present work spans the entire field of composite materials and material compounds in a comparable and comparative manner and abstract form. A summarizing publication on this still very new, but already broad-based scientific field is not yet available. The separation of the individual, firmly divided groups of the composite materials is the reason for this. Cross-connections are rarely made. The objective of this work is to compensate to some extent for this deficiency. Special consideration is given to definitions and classifications, manufacturing processes and the properties of the materials. Clear structures and overviews are presented. Mapping established and new technologies will contribute to the stability of the terms "mixed material compounds" and "hybrid material compounds". In addition, the problem of recycling and recycling technologies is discussed. In summary, areas for future research and development projects will be specified. Generalized concepts for tailor-made composite materials and material compounds are proposed ("adjusting screw scheme") with an eye toward various production routes, especially for semi-finished products and components, and the associated findings. These general material concepts are applied to own current research projects pertaining to metal-matrix and polymer-matrix composites and hybrid material compounds. Research fields for future projects are extrapolated. Particular attention is paid to hybrid material compounds as the mainstay of future developments in lightweight construction. In-line and in-situ processes play a key role for large-scale, cost- and resource-efficient production.

Le présent travail s'appuie sur une approche expérimentale étendue visant l'identification des mécanismes d'endommagement en chargement quasi-statique et en fatigue du PA66/GF30, en prenant notamment en compte l'influence de la teneur en eau et de la microstructure induite par le moulage par injection. Les essais et les observations in situ au MEB mettent en exergue le rôle déterminant de l'humidité relative sur l'initiation, le niveau et la chronologie de l'endommagement. Une analyse par micro-tomographie aux rayons X sur des échantillons ayant subi un chargement de fatigue montre que l'endommagement augmente continuellement et progressivement au cours de la fatigue, et plus significativement dans la deuxième moitié de sa durée de vie. Les résultats obtenus en quasi-statique et en fatigue révèlent des mécanismes d'endommagement similaires, notamment une décohésion des interfaces fibre/matrice. Une chronologie générale de l'endommagement est établie. Celui-ci s'initie en extrémités de fibres ou plus globalement là où les fibres sont relativement proches les unes des autres. Il s'ensuit des décohésions interfaciales se propageant le long des fibres. A une contrainte en flexion plus élevée, des microfissures de la matrice peuvent apparaître et se propager par coalescence, ce qui aboutira à la rupture. Ces résultats expérimentaux permettent d'alimenter une modélisation multi-échelles de l'endommagement à fort contenu physique. Celle-ci contribuera alors à une prédiction pertinente de l'endommagement dans les thermoplastiques renforcés pour application automobile. / The current work focuses on extensive experimental approaches to identify quasi-static and fatigue damage behavior of PA66/GF30 considering various effects such as relative humidity and injection process induced microstructure. By using in situ SEM tests, it was observed that relative humidity conditions strongly impact the damage mechanisms in terms of their initiation, level and chronology. The X-ray micro-tomography analysis on fatigue loaded samples demonstrated that the damage continuously increases during fatigue loading, but the evolution occurs more significantly in the second half of the fatigue life. From the results of damage investigation under quasi-static and fatigue loading, it was established that both loading types exhibit the same damage mechanisms, with fiber/matrix interfacial debonding as the principal damage mechanisms. General damage chronologies were proposed as the damage initiates at fiber ends and more generally at locations where fibers are relatively close to each other due to the generation of local stress concentrations. Afterwards, interfacial decohesions further propagate along the fiber/matrix interface. At high relative flexural stress, matrix microcracks can develop and propagate, leading to the damage accumulation and then the final failure. The experimental findings are important to provide a physically based damage mechanisms scenarios that can be integrated into multiscale damage models. These models will contribute towards reliable predictions of damage in reinforced thermoplastics for lightweight automotive applications.

No description available.