Nanoscale structural and mechanical characterization of bamboo-like polymer/silicon nanocomposite films

Abstract

In an attempt to mimic the bamboo's architecture, bamboo-like polymer/silicon nanocomposites were synthesized by filling silicon nanopores with two conjugated polymers, namely poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and its derivative poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylene vinylene) (MEHPPV). The microstructure, elastic modulus, hardness, nanoscratch resistance, and fracture toughness of the bamboo-like polymer/nanoporous silicon (PS) films were investigated using different functions of an atomic force microscope and nanoindentation techniques. The fracture toughness of MEHPPV- and PPV-filled PS films is 2 and 1.6 times higher than that of PS, respectively, although their elastic modulus and hardness decrease compared to PS. Strengthening and deformation mechanisms are discussed in conjunction with nanocomposite structure, hardness, elastic modulus and nanoscratch resistance.