The Effects of Interphase and Interface Characteristics on the Tensile Behaviour of POM/CaCO3 Nanocomposites

The condition of the interfacial area and interphase region in a nanocomposite can significantly affect its mechanical performance. In this research, the tensile performance of a POM/CaCO3 nanocomposite, including the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength, are analysed using different mathematical models and the Ansys FEM software. The mechanisms of the plastic deformation and crazing of the POM/CaCO3 nanocomposite were investigated using FEM. Furthermore, the effects of interface adhesion and the interphase property on interfacial debonding, as well as tensile properties, were analysed. The tensile strength of the nanocomposite could not be greater than that of bulk POM because of the failure which was initiated from the matrix. By stiffening the interphase and increasing the adhesion between nanoparticle and polymer, the nanocomposite’s elastic modulus and strength were increased. Two toughening mechanisms, including plastic deformation and crack initiation, were observed in the POM/CaCO3 nanocomposite. The high interfacial adhesion of the matrix to the particles led to the formation and propagation of crazes along the extension load in the POM matrix. The tensile strengths of different nanocomposites were over-predicted by the Pukanszky model, while the moduli magnitudes estimated by the Ji mathematical model were less when compared to those determined by FEM.