Effects of critical interfacial shear strength between polymer and nanoclay on the Pukanszky's “B” interphase factor and tensile strength of polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

This paper aims to develop the “B” interphase parameter and Pukanszky model for tensile strength of polymer clay nanocomposites assuming critical interfacial shear strength (τc) providing the stress transferring between polymer and nanoparticles. The clay properties express the “τc” and both “τc” and interfacial shear strength (τ) develop the effective thickness, strength and volume fraction of interphase region as well as the effective volume fraction of clay in nanocomposites. The effective terms are applied to expand the “B” interphase parameter and Pukanszky equation. The experimental data of tensile strength for some samples and the parametric investigations validate the developed equations for “B” and tensile strength of nanocomposites. All parameters consistently control the “B” and tensile strength. Low critical interfacial shear strength, high interfacial strength, thick interphase, high interfacial shear strength, high aspect ratio (length per thickness) of clay and a small number of clay in the stacks produce a high “B” and improve the tensile strength of nanocomposites. The absence of interphase section in nanocomposites largely decreases the “B” and very thin interphase deteriorates the strengthening efficiency of nanoclay in nanocomposites.