Simulation of tensile strength for polymer hydroxyapatite nanocomposites by interphase and nanofiller dimensions

Abstract

Several models have been used in literature studies to describe the mechanical behavior of hydroxyapatite (HA) polymer nanocomposites. However, previous models have often overlooked the size of HA and the properties of the interphase. In this study, we further develop an equation originally proposed by Kolarik. This advanced equation predicts the tensile strength of polymer/HA nanocomposites by considering the interphase parameter (A), rod‐like HA size, HA concentration, and interphase properties, including depth and strength. We validate our method using experimental data from various examples and through parametric inspections. Both the strength and the depth of the interphase directly affect the ‘A’ value and, consequently, the strength of the nanocomposites. For instance, an HA radius (R) of 6 nm yields the highest ‘A’ value of 4.97, enhancing the nanocomposite strength by up to 250%. In contrast, ‘R’ value of 20 nm fails to reinforce the samples effectively. Additionally, the thickness of the interphase (t) and the concentration of HA directly handle the nanocomposite strength. The strength of the samples significantly improves by 137% and 160% with an interphase thickness of 50 nm and an HA volume fraction of 0.2, respectively. Generally, the length of HA and interphase characteristics (thickness and strength) directly control the strength of samples, but the HA radius has an inverse relationship with nanocomposite strength.Highlights Kolarik equation is developed to predict the tensile strength of polymer HA nanocomposites. Interphase parameter, HA size, HA concentration and interphase properties are considered. HA radius of 6 nm produces the maximum enhancement of nanocomposite strength by 250%. Interphase properties and concentration of HA directly control the nanocomposite strength. All parameters reasonably influence the strength of samples confirming the developed model.