Modeling Young’s modulus of rubber–clay nanocomposites using composite theories

The modulus reinforcement of rubber–clay nanocomposites was examined using Guth, Halpin–Tsai and the modified Halpin–Tsai equations, which are universally used for composites reinforced by fiber-like or rod-like fillers. Taking account of the lower contribution of the platelet-like filler to Young’s modulus than that of the fiber-like filler, the modulus reduction factor (MRF) for the platelet-like fillers of 0.66, determined by fitting experimental data, is introduced into the above three equations. The aspect ratios of clay platelets in rubber–clay nanocomposites were determined by statistically analyzing TEM micrographs. The predicting ability of the above three equations for polymer–clay nanocomposites is improved by introducing MRF.