Investigation of elastic constants of polymer/nanoparticles composites using the brillouin spectroscopy and the mechanical homogenization modeling

Abstract

A numerical model using homogenization techniques is proposed to simulate the evolution of elastic properties of nanocomposite polymer‐nanoparticles, depending on the concentration of nanoparticles and the rigidity of the particle–matrix interface. To validate this model, it was confronted to several physical systems having different interface behavior, the nanocomposite systems: poly(vinylidene fluoride trifluoroethylene)/Al2O3 (alumina nanoparticles incorporated into copolymer of vinylidene difluoride and trifluoroethylene to form nanocomposite), PMMA/CNT (carbon nanotube/poly(methyl methacrylate) composite) and PMMA/SiO2 with nanoparticles with or without surface treatment of silanization. For all these systems, the Young's modulus (nanoparticles and matrix) has been obtained experimentally from the elastic modulus C11 obtained by Brillouin spectroscopy. These macroscopic measurements coupled with the theoretical model allow a multiscale approach of the elastic behavior of nanocomposite systems, providing information on the global elastic properties of polymer‐nanoparticle material, and also indications about the strength of physical and chemical bonds between the nanoparticles and the matrix. Our results validate the hypothesis of the crucial role of the interface module, provided by numerical simulation which shows that incorporation of nanoparticles may lead to a strengthening or a weakening of the matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers.

GO-modified flexible polymer nanocomposites fabricated via 3D stereolithography

“…In the work carried out by Manapat et al [16], it was also observed that the increase in GO content resulted in a decrease in the mechanical strength, which they attributed to higher concentration of GO leading to excessive interplatelet interaction instead of GO-resin hydrogen bonding, thus decreasing GO-resin interaction, as well as the fact that the presence of GO in the resin can lower the efficiency of photopolymerization because the filler can serve as a barrier or hindrance to incoming laser light [16]. This observation was also similar to the case of carbon nanotube reinforced poly(methyl methacrylate) [23] and the GO containing PEGDA [20], respectively. Another possible explanation offered by Manapat et al [16] is that GO is acting as a chain transfer agent, which inhibits the further growth of polymer chain.…”

Effect of nanofiller on the behavior of a melt‐drawn HDPE/PA6 microfibrillar composite

“…To explain the above‐mentioned impairment of the mechanical behavior, we tentatively consider a crucial importance of the parameters of the fibrils and the interface . The interface may be influenced by different crystalline‐phase content (including the amorphous layer), its orientation, and type.…”

Antagonistic effects on mechanical properties of microfibrillar composites with dual reinforcement: Explanation by FEA model of soft interface

“…The crucial role of the interface modulus was also demonstrated in nanocomposites . In this respect, of importance is the fact that the modulus of amorphous polyethylene (PE) is similar to that of elastomers, that is, with a value of several megapascals.…”