Size-Dependency Consideration of Montmorillonite-Reinforced Nylon-6 Via Interfacial Stiffness

Abstract

A discussion is made for the case of nanocomposites, and the size dependency of the nanosized inclusions in terms of inclusion—matrix interface properties. Using the concept of ‘interface—interphase,’ the molecular mechanics model is suggested for obtaining the interfacial stiffness. Illustration is made herein for the case of nylon-6 with montmorillonite (MMT) reinforcement. MMT is a nanoscale clay platelet that has been recently shown to significantly enhance the composite’s modulus.