The influence of metal nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of composite materials

The article presents the results of studies on changes in mechanical and physical properties of polymeric construction materials after the introduction of metal nanoparticles. As an example of metal nanoparticles the influence of nanoparticles of copper has been considered. The ways of formation of copper with dimensions of nanometers, a brief methodology and structure of the obtained filler are shown. Copper nanoparticles have unique anti-bacterial, thermal and conductive properties. These properties substantially remain in the polymer material. The resulting composite material has technological properties of polymers and unique physical properties of the filler. Polymer material was selected among the products of large-tonnage production: polyvinyl chloride, elastomers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene. The selection of copper ions from the nanoparticles depends on the type of stabilizing agent and on the chemical nature of the environment. The performance of antimicrobial properties in polymer materials is achieved by the dosage of copper in the amount of 1–2% by weight. To give a material the conductive properties of copper nanoparticles a higher concentration of metal is required. To use only plastic PVC as the carrier will limit the effectiveness of nanocrystals of copper and affect the mechanical parameters of the material. Therefore it is considered a more complex type of polymer material. Thermoplastic elastomers obtained from blends of rubber and plastic (or plastics), became of great interest in the industrial sector. The wax embedded in a polymeric matrix of polyethylene is used for heat storage of solar energy; thermal protection of electronic devices, nutritional products and medical products; a reduction in installed capacity and thermal comfort in vehicles. To improve the thermal conductivity copper nanoparticles are introduced in the mixture of polyethylene and wax. To obtain the polypropylene with copper nanoparticles the melt mixing method is applied. The isotactic PP demonstrates the most attractive properties. Copper nanoparticles which size is from 10 nm to 60 nm are used.