A simple micromechanical approach to predict mechanical behaviour of polypropylene/organoclay nanocomposites based on representative volume element (RVE)

Two-dimensional 3 × 3 array representative volume element (RVE) models, using finite element analysis (FEA), have been employed to predict the elastic moduli (Ec) of polypropylene (PP)/organoclay nanocomposites in terms of clay contents, clay aspect ratios and their dispersion patterns. Three-phase RVE models incorporating the interphase between clay platelets and the PP matrix demonstrate significant modulus enhancement in the exfoliated nanocomposites. The interphase properties have less impact on the moduli of exfoliated nanocomposites while those of intercalated nanocomposites are quite independent of clay dispersion patterns. The numerical results are finally compared with composites theories and experimental data for validity.