ABSTRACT
A unique mechanistic theory is described to predict the properties of nanocomposites. The theory is based on composite micromechanics with progressive substructuring down to a nanoscale slice of a nanofiber where all the governing equations are formulated. Results for matrix-dependent properties show bimodal through-the-thickness distribution with discontinuous changes from mode to mode. The nanomechanics theory includes all the equations that are required to predict the output. The output includes the fabrication parameters as are present in the nanocomposite, the physical properties, the mechanical properties, and individual uniaxial strengths. The practical significance is that crazes in the matrix region will occur during the cooling down of the nanocomposite. The uniaxial strengths of interest in nanocomposite designs are longitudinal tension and compression, transverse tension and compression, in-plane shear, and through-the-thickness shear. The fussiness can be simulated by estimating the angle of single fibers through the thickness.
