Dependence of Z Parameter for Tensile Strength of Multi-Layered Interphase in Polymer Nanocomposites to Material and Interphase Properties

In this work, the Z interphase parameter which determines the tensile strength of interphase layers in polymer nanocomposites is presented as a function of various material and interphase properties. In this regard, the simple Pukanszky model for tensile strength of polymer nanocomposites is applied and the dependency of Z to different characteristics of constituents and interphase are illustrated by contour plots. The interphase strength (σ (i)) and B interfacial parameter in Pukanszky model show direct links with Z parameter. Also, it is found that the volume fractions of nanoparticles and interphase reveal dissimilar effects on Z. A high Z is obtained by a low nanoparticle volume fraction and high content of interphase, but the best values of Z are associated with the level of B parameter.