Frequency and amplitude dependence of complex moduli of composite material reinforced with nanofibers

Abstract

A micromechanical model is developed to determine effective inelastic properties of nanocomposite
under monoharmonic deformation by taking into account detailed micro-structural
geometries and constitutive models of the constituents. By using the Correspondence Principle in
Viscoelasticity and the modified Mori-Tanaka method, the effects of interface between inclusion
and matrix is taken into account. By applying the presently developed model, a numerical analysis
for determination of complex moduli for polymeric nanocomposite reinforced by nanofibers
composed from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is conducted at the isothermal conditions. Analysis of
the complex moduli dependence on frequency and amplitude of strain intensity is performed.
Composites reinforced with both unidirectionally aligned and randomly oriented nanofibers are
considered. Results demonstrate a weak dependence of loss moduli on the frequency of the loading
within the wide range of it.