The effect of time-dependent slightly weakened interface on the viscoelastic properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposites

In this research, the time-dependent formulation of slightly weakened interface (SWI) model for an embedded carbon nanotube (CNT) in a polymer matrix was used to predict viscoelastic properties of CNT/polymer nanocomposites. Corresponding time-dependent interfacial parameters were evaluated using a multiscale model by applying a special loading on the model. In the multiscale model, CNTs, van der Waals (vdW) interfacial interactions and the surrounding matrix were modeled using space-frame beams, nonlinear springs and solid continuum elements, respectively. Considering the CNT and polymer as elastic and viscoelastic materials, respectively, the micromechanical Mori–Tanaka approach was implemented to estimate the viscoelastic properties of nanocomposites. The SWI model was used with the Mori–Tanaka formulations and the interfacial parameters of the interface were taken into account. The results of the model were compared with the available experimental data. It can be concluded that, considering the time-dependent non-bonded weakened interface can improve the results obtained by the model.