Affiliation:
1. College of Aerospace Engineering Shenyang Aerospace University Shenyang China
2. College of Engineering and Technology American University of the Middle East Kuwait Kuwait
3. School of International Education Shenyang Aerospace University Shenyang China
4. Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, School of Engineering and Digital Sciences Nazarbayev University Astana Kazakhstan
Abstract
AbstractThis study presents novel mechanochemical methods for the synthesis and chemical modification of bismuthene nanosheets (BINS) using a high‐speed blender and planetary ball milling. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements confirmed successful exfoliation of 1.5‐nm BINS. Epoxy/BINS nanocomposites exhibited enhanced mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical resistance. Chemical modification via ball milling improved the interface and dispersion of BINS within the epoxy matrix, leading to significant enhancements in mechanical performance and chemical resistance. Compared to neat epoxy, at 0.75 vol% m‐BINS, Young's modulus, impact strength and fracture toughness KIC were respectively enhanced by 30%, 88.6%, and 144.4% while these increments were 10%, 55.7%, and 97.8% for pristine BINS‐based epoxy nanocomposite. A 3D finite element model of the impact test of the nanocomposite was developed to predict its behavior under high‐strain rate loadings; the numerical model showed high agreement with experimental measurements. Epoxy/m‐BINS nanocomposites demonstrated exceptional chemical resistance, attributed to the small lateral dimensions of m‐BINS, which fill the spaces between cross‐linked epoxy molecules and uniformly distribute within the matrix. These findings highlight the crucial role of interface and dispersion in defining the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. Overall, this study provides a facile and scalable method for synthesizing and modifying bismuthene, showcasing its potential for developing functional polymer nanocomposites.Highlights
Bismuthene nanosheets & modified BINS (m‐BINS) are prepared by eco‐friendly method.
m‐BINS is ~1.5 nm thick and ~0.5 μm wide.
m‐BINS shows good dispersion and strong interface adhesion within epoxy matrix.
Impact strength and KIC of epoxy/m‐BINS nanocomposite are enhanced by 88.6% and 144.4%.
Numerical model for impact strength is developed to predict behavior at high‐strain rate.
Funder
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Natural Science Foundation of Liaoning Province
Nazarbayev University