The roles of nanoparticles accumulation and interphase properties in properties of polymer particulate nanocomposites by a multi-step methodology

The accumulation of nanoparticles and poor interphase weaken the modulus of nanocomposites. Moreover, the strength of nanocomposites intensely depends on the interphase properties. The high concentration of nanoparticles can improve the strength of nanocomposites only when a thick and strong interphase is provided between polymer matrix and nanoparticles. However, big particles due to the accumulation of nanoparticles decrease the strength of nanocomposites at different levels of interphase properties.