Energy absorption capability of nanocomposites: A review

Experimental evidence shows that some nanocomposites with special matrices and filler materials may achieve significant and simultaneous improvements in stiffness, fracture toughness, impact energy absorption and vibration damping, and these characteristics could be of particular importance in automobile or airplane structures. This paper reviews relevant literature which deals with various manifestations of energy absorption of composites from the nano to the macro-scale, with emphasis on the nano-scale. Energy absorption mechanisms in nanocomposites will be examined, along with important influence factors, such as shape, dimension and stiffness of particles, type of matrix, particle volume fraction, distribution of particles and the particle–matrix interfacial properties by both experiments and simulation methods. Relevant potential applications will be discussed, and the key related issues that need to be resolved in the future will be addressed.