Experimental and Numerical Optimization of Mechanical Properties of PVA Nanocomposites With Molybdenum Disulfide Quantum Dots

ABSTRACT We characterize the enhancement in toughness and ductility for a composite polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) infused with Molybdenum disulfide quantum dots (MoS 2 QDs) generated using hydrothermal synthesis. The elastic stress–strain properties of the system are characterized using a uniaxial tensile test which exhibits a significantly large strains and a considerably large of plastic region at an intermediate concentration of the infused QDs within the range 146–219 mM. Maximum toughness and efficiency is also achieved for the nanocomposite in the above mentioned concentrations of MoS 2 QDs. These experimental results are also consistent with the numerical simulation in the fiber bundle model (FBM) where the span of the plastic region shows the same non‐monotonic behavior with the disorder strength along with highest stability during failure process at the same point where toughness attains the maximum value. These results offer valuable insights into optimizing the mechanical properties of PVA‐MoS 2 QD nanocomposites. This will be beneficial for potential applications that require a combination of strength and elasticity, making these materials ideal candidates for structural applications that demand both load‐bearing capacity and flexibility.