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Micromechanical models for carbon nanotube and cellulose nanowhisker reinforced composites
Author(s) -
Loos M.R.,
ManasZloczower I.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
polymer engineering and science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.503
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1548-2634
pISSN - 0032-3888
DOI - 10.1002/pen.23313
Subject(s) - materials science , composite material , carbon nanotube , micromechanics , percolation threshold , percolation (cognitive psychology) , volume fraction , composite number , cellulose , reinforcement , filler (materials) , elastic modulus , chemical engineering , neuroscience , electrical engineering , biology , electrical resistivity and conductivity , engineering
Abstract Different micromechanical models which account for the presence of dispersed and agglomerated nanofillers, specifically carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and cellulose nanowhiskers (CWs), in a polymeric matrix and consider the effect of a percolation threshold on the elastic modulus of the composite are derived and compared. We demonstrate that the critical filler volume fraction where a percolating network is forming marks a “turning point” in the reinforcement efficiency. The suitability of these models is verified by comparing simulated values with experimental data from literature. The results show that the models are able to predict mechanical properties over a wide range of testing conditions. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © Society of Plastics Engineers