Modeling Young's modulus of rubber-clay nanocomposites using composite theories

The modulus reinforcement of rubber-clay nanocomposites was examined using Guth, Halpin-Tsai and the modified Halpin-Tsai equations, which are universally used for composites reinforced by fiber-like or rod-like fillers. Taking account of the lower contribution of the platelet-like filler to Young's modulus than that of the fiber-like filler, the modulus reduction factor (MRF) for the platelet-like fillers of 0.66, determined by fitting experimental data, is introduced into the above three equations. The aspect ratios of clay platelets in rubber-clay nanocomposites were determined by statistically analyzing TEM micrographs. The predicting ability of the above three equations for polymer-clay nanocomposites is improved by introducing MRF.