Investigation on load transfer and deformation behavior of epoxy nanocomposites

The interfacial load transfer characteristics of epoxy nanocomposites are studied using a multiscale approach combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and a homogenization-based finite element model. Thermoset epoxy resin composed of EPON 862/TETA is used for a matrix phase material considering a wide range of crosslinking conversions. Spherical shapes of silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles are embedded into epoxy matrix as reinforcing fillers. To investigate the interfacial stress transfer of SiC/epoxy nanocomposites, uniaxial tensile loadings are applied to the equilibrated unit cells. During the tensile deformation, the stress-strain responses for each phase, the particle and the matrix, are monitored and the detailed structural changes are thoroughly discussed in the atomistic level. To reflect the load transfer characteristics with varying crosslinking conversions in the multiscale analysis scheme, we proposed a homogenization-based continuum model considering interfacial imperfection.