Mechanical modelling of materials coated with nanocomposite

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish a mathematical equation that links the creep and relaxation forces to the clay percentage of nanocoated material based on a Zener analogical model. For this reason, a theoretical equation of the tensile resistance of a fabric coated with nanocomposites is presented. The samples whose properties are analysed by such equations were constructed from commercial resins, which are actually used in the textile field to enhance properties such as comfort, elasticity or impermeability of the fabric materials and the Tunisian natural clay. Relaxation deformations and creep forces were determined by using a dynamometer measuring the necessary force to maintain a constant elongation, and the calculated deformation when the fabric is stretched by a constant force equal to 80% of its rupture force. The mathematical equations obtained by modelling the coated fabric’s mechanical behaviour help in analysing and explaining the measured rupture forces that have been presented in a previous work. It was found that Young’s modulus increases by increasing the clay quantity and the calculated values show that the values of mechanical resistance are in good agreement with the measured values of the tensile tests. Also, it was found that when nanocomposites are used in coating a fabric, the fabric becomes more elastic and more resistant, and this can be proved by Young’s modulus and the viscosity (η computing).