Study of the matrix–particle interactions of polymer nanocomposites in the low‐frequency regime

Abstract

In this study, the dynamic moduli, in a wide frequency scale, of two series of polymer nanocomposites were qualitatively discussed. The dynamic mechanical analysis experimental results of polylactic acid (PLA)/silica nanocomposites, as well as PLA/graphene oxide‐carbon nanotubes hybrid nanocomposites, were employed. The study has been focused on the low‐frequency regime, estimating the terminal incline of the storage and loss modulus. In addition, the relative position of the two dynamic moduli was examined and results about the nanofiller's dispersion quality, as well as their interaction with the matrix were extracted. The consequence of nanofiller kind, loading, and distribution quality on the mechanical enhancement was thoroughly studied. In addition, the storage modulus master curves could be simulated by a model from the literature, considering the topological constraints of an entangled polymer reinforced by nanoparticles. It was shown that by adopting the linear contribution of the free and adsorbed chains to the relaxation function, the details of the master curves could be captured in the entire frequency range, quite effectively. The estimated model parameter values confirmed the analysis of the matrix–particle interactions.Highlights The SiO2 size effect on the terminal zone slope of the dynamic moduli. Successful description of the dynamic moduli by the tube reptation concept. Analysis of the physical meaning of the model parameter values. Relation between SiO2 dispersion quality and molecular motion restriction. Matrix‐particle interactions is the governing mechanism of enhancement.