A model for tensile strength of polymer/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites assuming the percolation of interphase regions

In this paper, a model is developed for tensile strength of polymer/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites (PCNT) assuming the network formation above percolation threshold based on Ouali approach. The reinforcing and networking roles of interphase are also considered in the developed model, because the interphase regions commonly form in polymer nanocomposites. Several equations are established to enable the developed model to predict the strength using the properties of polymer matrix, nanoparticles, and interphase. The suggested model is evaluated using the experimental results of several samples. Also, the logical and average levels of thickness, strength, and percolation threshold of interphase regions are calculated for the reported samples. The developed model shows acceptable agreement with the experimental results of nanocomposites. Additionally, the developed model demonstrates the reasonable effects of the volume fraction and radius of nanoparticles as well as the volume fraction, percolation threshold, thickness and strength of interphase on the strength. All observations validate the predictability of the developed model for tensile strength of PCNT.