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Studies on the use of nano zinc oxide and modified silica in NR, CR ...

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Chapter 1<br />

<strong>in</strong>duces substantial changes <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir physicochemical <strong>and</strong> mechanical<br />

properties, which are ca<strong>use</strong>d by <strong>the</strong> mobility <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> macromolecules <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

boundary layers, <strong>the</strong> orient<strong>in</strong>g behaviour <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> filler surface <strong>and</strong> by different<br />

types <strong>of</strong> filler-polymer <strong>in</strong>teracti<strong>on</strong>s.<br />

1.1.1 Def<strong>in</strong>iti<strong>on</strong> <strong>and</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> composites<br />

2<br />

Composites are comb<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong> <strong>of</strong> two materials, <strong>in</strong> which <strong>on</strong>e <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

materials, called <strong>the</strong> re<strong>in</strong>forc<strong>in</strong>g phase, is <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> form <strong>of</strong> fibres, sheets or<br />

particles <strong>and</strong> is embedded <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r materials called <strong>the</strong> matrix phase. The<br />

re<strong>in</strong>forc<strong>in</strong>g material <strong>and</strong> <strong>the</strong> matrix material can be metal, ceramic or<br />

polymer. Typically, re<strong>in</strong>forc<strong>in</strong>g materials are str<strong>on</strong>g with low densities, while<br />

<strong>the</strong> matrix is usually a ductile or tough material. If <strong>the</strong> composite is designed<br />

<strong>and</strong> fabricated correctly, it comb<strong>in</strong>es <strong>the</strong> strength <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> re<strong>in</strong>forcement with<br />

<strong>the</strong> toughness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> matrix to achieve comb<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong> <strong>of</strong> desirable properties not<br />

available <strong>in</strong> any s<strong>in</strong>gle c<strong>on</strong>venti<strong>on</strong>al material. 1<br />

Designers <strong>of</strong> structures have been quick to capitalize <strong>on</strong> <strong>the</strong> high<br />

strength-to-weight or modulus-to-weight ratios <strong>of</strong> composites. But <strong>the</strong>re are<br />

o<strong>the</strong>r advantages as well as some disadvantages. The advantages <strong>in</strong>clude:<br />

weight reducti<strong>on</strong> (high strength- or stiffness- to weight ratio), tailor<strong>in</strong>g<br />

properties (strength <strong>of</strong> stiffness can be tailored to be <strong>in</strong> <strong>the</strong> load directi<strong>on</strong>),<br />

redundant load paths (fiber to fiber), l<strong>on</strong>ger life (no corrosi<strong>on</strong>), <strong>and</strong> lower<br />

manufactur<strong>in</strong>g costs, <strong>in</strong>herent damp<strong>in</strong>g <strong>and</strong> <strong>in</strong>creased (or decreased) <strong>the</strong>rmal<br />

or electric c<strong>on</strong>ductivity. The disadvantages <strong>in</strong>clude: high cost <strong>of</strong> raw materials<br />

<strong>and</strong> fabricati<strong>on</strong>, possible weakness <strong>of</strong> transverse properties, weak matrix <strong>and</strong><br />

low toughness, envir<strong>on</strong>mental degradati<strong>on</strong> <strong>of</strong> matrix, difficulty <strong>in</strong> attach<strong>in</strong>g<br />

<strong>and</strong> problems associated with analysis. Proper design <strong>and</strong> material selecti<strong>on</strong><br />

can avoid many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> disadvantages.<br />

Over recent decades, many new composites have been developed,<br />

some with very valuable properties. By choos<strong>in</strong>g an appropriate comb<strong>in</strong>ati<strong>on</strong>

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