Simple Models for Interphase Characteristics in Polypropylene/Montmorillonite/CaCO₃ Nanocomposites

Abstract: This work suggests a modeling method based onmicromechanical models such as Pukanszky one to determine the interphaseproperties in ternary polymer nanocomposites containing two nanofillers.The developed models can calculate the volume fraction, thickness andstrength of interphases between nanoparticles and polymer matrix usingthe experimental data of Young’s modulus and yield strength. Theproperties of interphases are calculated and discussed forpolypropylene/montmorillonite (Mt)/CaCO₃ ternary polymernanocomposites at different nanofiller contents (2, 4 and 6 wt % of Mtand 2, 8, 14 and 20 wt % of CaCO₃). The developed modelsdemonstrate that the thickness of interphase differently depends onnanofiller size and volume fractions of nanofiller and interphase. Inaddition, it is shown that the strength of interphase directlycorrelates to the interfacial interaction/adhesion between nanoparticlesand polymer matrix.