Modeling microstructural stresses in polymer-silicate nanocomposite with the influence of spherulitic structures

Аннотация

Polymer nanocomposites based on polyolefins and layered clay minerals (smectites) are multi-layered structure. Even unfilled polyolefins (polyethylene, polypropylene, etc.) are structurally heterogeneous environment consisting of amorphous and crystalline phases. Adding filler further complicates the structure of the material. The results of computer simulation of interaction of silicate inclusions, crystalline supermolecular formations in the matrix (spherulites) and its amorphous part. Composite is modeled as a square periodicity cell with inclusion and spherulites. Inclusion was a pack of silica plates separated by thin layers of polymer. Spherulite modeled as “snowflakes” of crystallized lamellae (band areas with an ordered arrangement of polymer molecules). Problem was solved by finite element method in nonlinear-elastic formulation (plane strain).