Evolution of collective damage in a polyamide 6–silicate nanocomposite

The microvoiding in crack-tip plastic zone in a partly exfoliated polyamide 6–silicate nanocomposite is investigated through the experimental measurement of microvoid size distribution and the computer simulation in context of nonlinear fracture mechanics. In order to analyze the effect of silicate content on fracture resistance, the evolution of the collective microvoids induced by the silicate nanolayers is characterized by the void number density (VND). The influences of the filler–matrix interaction on the yielding and hardening behaviors, as well as the total number, volume fraction, and nucleation and growth rates of microvoids are discussed in detail.