The reinforcing and characteristics of interphase as the polymer chains adsorbed on the nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites

In this study, the adsorbed polymer chains on the nanoparticle surface are assumed as an interphase layer, which increases the reinforcing efficiency of nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites. The interphase is taken into account to enhance the effective volume fraction of nanoparticles, which is determined by the Maxwell model for Young's modulus of composites. Also, the modulus and strength of interphase are calculated by proper models. The interphase properties are estimated and discussed for various samples containing different nanoparticles. The present methodology gives fine agreement between the experimental results of mechanical properties and the calculations. Also, the acceptable results for interphase properties are obtained which confirm the validity of the presented models. The small nanoparticles and thick interphase significantly increase the nanocomposite reinforcement. Additionally, Young's modulus of nanoparticles causes negligible effect on the modulus of nanocomposites in spite of the interphase properties such as thickness and interfacial area.