Hierarchical nano-/micromaterials based on electrospun polymer fibers: Predictive models for thermomechanical behavior

Summary Applications of small electrospun polymer fibers in hierarchical composite materials are discussed. Micromechanics models for effective elastic, thermal, and thermoelastic behavior of these materials are developed. The principle of effective homogeneity is applied to connect scales in the materials. Effective thermoelastic characteristics of nano- and microfiber composite are analyzed to illustrate the developed approach. Strong hybrid effects are observed in the dependence of effective modulus and thermal expansion coefficient on fractional content of fibers of different diameters. The extrema are located at the higher fractions of larger reinforcing elements. The methodology developed can be utilized for connecting scales in modeling other hierarchical materials.