Mechanical Properties of Chiral Materials

Abstract

Chiral materials, renowned for their distinctive properties stemming from molecular-level asymmetry, have captivated researchers across diverse scientific disciplines. However, despite considerable research on the optical, electrical, and magnetic properties of chiral materials, the field of chiral mechanics remains unexplored. This gap in understanding presents a significant impediment to fully harnessing the potential benefits of chiral materials across diverse applications. Consequently, there is an increasing recognition of the imperative to conduct comprehensive studies elucidating the mechanical properties of these chiral materials, thereby laying the foundation for future advancements and practical applications. In this dissertation delves into a meticulous exploration of the mechanical interaction of chiral nanoparticles had been undertaken. Employing innovative methodologies, such as the coordination assembly of chiral nanoparticles with d10 transition metals, novel chiral hydrogels were fabricated with precision and control over their micro- and nano-scale textures. Through the incorporation of Co3O4 nanoparticles and cadmium cations, these hydrogels exhibited enhanced networking, interconnectivity, and chiroptical activity, surpassing the limitations associated with conventional polymerization methods. This pioneering approach not only expanded the toolkit for fabricating chiral hydrogels but also provided a platform for in-depth investigations into their mechanical properties. Based on this chiral hydrogel, the physical properties were investigated employing graph theory. Analysis of the results highlighted the significance of the cadmium cation concentration in serving as a bridge between chiral nanoparticles, thus delineating optimal experimental conditions for hydrogel fabrication. Additionally, the mechanical attributes including viscoelastic properties were thoroughly investigated, providing insights into the mechanical behavior of chiral nanoparticle systems. The study revealed the reaction of chiral nanoparticles during compression, introducing an additional rotational degree of freedom. We established a new theory for this exceptional phenomenon, showcasing the intricate coupling relationship between chirality and material mechanics. Furthermore, we introduced a novel Bouligand structure composed of ZnO nanorods and polystyrene polymer, designed to explore both its chiroptical activity and mechanical attributes. Through comprehensive static and dynamic mechanical analysis, it is demonstrated that the Bouligand structure exhibits exceptional mechanical properties, surpassing those of samples with other stacking configurations. This underscores the critical role of structural alignment in enhancing material strength and provides valuable insights for the design of high-toughness engineering materials. In summary, this research underscores the paramount importance of the mechanical properties of chiral materials for advancing both fundamental understanding and practical applications. The insights gleaned from the investigation of chiral hydrogels and the Bouligand structure not only contribute to addressing existing challenges in chiral materials but also unlock new avenues at the nexus of chiral technology and mechanical engineering. As the scientific community continues to delve deeper into this fascinating field, further discoveries and innovations are poised to reshape our understanding and utilization of chiral materials in myriad domains.