Simple expressions of bulk and shear moduli of polymer/clay nanocomposites by Tandon–Weng approach assuming 3D randomly oriented platelets

Abstract

The Tandon–Weng model has been used for polymer nanocomposites in previous reports. However, some complex parameters and questionable accuracy of this model have limited its application. In this work, the original Tandon–Weng models for bulk and shear moduli of isotropic composites containing 3D randomly oriented particles are simplified for polymer/clay nanocomposites. Additionally, the effects of main parameters on the predictions of the simplified models are evaluated. According to the simplified models, the moduli of polymer/clay nanocomposites depend to moduli of polymer matrix and nanoparticles, Poisson ratio of matrix, and nanofiller concentration, while some parameters such as aspect ratio of platelets cannot play a significant role. Also, the similar effects of matrix Poisson ratio and nanofiller concentration on the shear and Young’s moduli are observed, but a different trend is fund for bulk modulus.

Shear, Bulk, and Young’s Moduli of Clay/Polymer Nanocomposites Containing the Stacks of Intercalated Layers as Pseudoparticles

“…Each single layer has a thickness of about 1 nm and lateral dimensions up to the micrometer scale. The microstructure of clay in clay/polymer nanocomposites (CPN) forms as phase separated, intercalated, or exfoliated [6–8]. If the clay stacks do not interact with the polymer chains, phase separation is occurred.…”