Multiscale Modeling Approach to Predict the Mechanical Behavior of elastomer nanocomposites

In elastomeric nanocomposites, interfacial phenomena on the molecular dynamics of the rubber chains can affect the mechanical behavior. In this research, nanocomposites of silica and solution styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR) were prepared. In the following, a finite element microstructural model in which the properties of the interphase were studied. The simulation results showed that the freely moving interphase causes a severe decrease in the stress transfer from the matrix to the particle. But in the case of perfectly bonded interphase improves the mechanical properties. Also, 3D model has provided better predictions than the 2D model.