Experimental and computational micro-mechanical investigations of compressive properties of polypropylene/multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite foams

摘要: Abstract The compressive behavior of nanocomposite foams is studied by both experimental and computational micro-mechanics approaches with the aim providing an efficient model for this kind material. nanocomposites based on polypropylene (PP) different contents multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are prepared melt mixing method. samples foamed using super-critical dioxide (ScCO2) as blowing agent at soaking temperatures. influence foaming parameter morphological characteristics foam micro-structure discussed. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) measurements used to quantify crystallinity degree showing that reduced after process. This modification leads mechanical properties cell walls from raw PP/CNTs Three-point bending tests performed latter measure flexural modulus in terms degree. Uniaxial compression then under quasi-static conditions order extract macro-scale response. Next, a two-level multi-scale approach developed On one hand, micro-mechanical evaluated theoretical homogenization accounting semi-crystalline PP, crystallinity, CNT volume fraction. applicability demonstrated via comparison data described literature. other macroscopic material tetrakaidecahedron unit cells periodic boundary estimate homogenized properties. combined several geometrical imperfections capture elastic collapse numerical results compared it shown proposed can be behavior, including linear plateau regimes, foams.