Development of Nicolais–Narkis model for yield strength of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with spherical nanoparticles

In this paper, the Nicolais–Narkis model for yield strength of polymer nanocomposites containing spherical nanoparticles is developed assuming the role of interphase between polymer and nanofiller phases. The predictions of the developed model are compared with the experimental results and also, the effects of interphase properties on the yield strength are expressed.The calculated results show that the developed model can give much accurate predictions for yield strength of nanocomposites by proper thickness and strength of interphase, while the yield strength is under-predicted by disregarding of interphase. The developed model demonstrates that the yield strength improves by reduction in nanoparticle size and increment in interphase thickness. Also, the detrimental effect of weak interfacial adhesion between polymer matrix and nanoparticles is revealed.