Mechanical properties of composites of randomly oriented platelets

New models are developed for bulk and shear moduli of concentrated particulate composites of randomly oriented thin platelets. The proposed models can be used to describe the mechanical properties of exfoliated clay–polymer nanocomposites. The predictions of the models are discussed. The models are evaluated using experimental data on the Young’s modulus of polymer–clay nanocomposites. The models are also extended to three phase polymer–clay nanocomposites where clay platelets are surrounded by an interphase. The effect of interphase on the mechanical properties of three phase platelet-interphase–matrix composites is discussed.