Multiscale framework for nanohybrids: frequency dependent nanoindentation, TUNA mapping, and dual-domain Multiphysics modeling

Hybrid epoxy nanocomposites incorporating carbon-based nanofillers are promising materials for advanced multifunctional applications. This study provides a multiscale characterization of nanohybrids incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) at 0.1 and 0.5 wt%. By systematically varying MWCNT:GNP ratios, we investigate the synergistic effects of 1D and 2D nanofillers on local behavior. Dynamic mechanical responses were captured via frequency-dependent nanoindentation (10–200 Hz), precisely evaluating viscoelastic properties across a broad spectrum. Simultaneously, high-resolution Tunneling Atomic Force Microscopy (TUNA) was deployed to map nanoscale conductive pathways and surface nanotopography. These results establish a critical correlation between global roughness and nanomechanical features like contact depth and hardness. To transcend experimental limitations, a high-fidelity, experimentally validated multiphysics dual-domain 3D model was developed as a key innovation in the field . This computational framework demonstrates exceptional predictive power across both time and frequency domains , bridging the gap between nanoscale morphology and macro-scale dynamic integrity. By establishing a deterministic link between surface roughness and contact mechanics, the integration of dynamic nanoindentation, TUNA mapping, and numerical modeling offers valuable insights for the precision engineering of advanced hybrid materials under complex dynamic loading conditions.