Unveiling the impact of interphase properties on the modulus of composites reinforced with nanodiamond: Defining an interfacial adhesion parameter

In this manuscript, Sato-Furukawa model is developed to predict the tensile modulus of nanodiamond (ND)-based samples, assuming the interfacial adhesion between ND and the matrix. Also, an unknown interfacial adhesion parameter (ζ) in Sato-Furukawa model is developed by interphase properties. The outcomes of the proposed model are compared with empirical data, and the level of precision is evaluated. Furthermore, it takes into account the size of the nanoparticles, which is an important factor that was not included in the original model. In summary, this research offers a quantitative analysis of ζ. Then, the impacts of various parameters such as interphase thickness (R_i), interphase modulus (E_i), ND radius (R), and filler concentration (φ_f) on the modulus of the nanocomposite are investigated. The outcomes from the proposed model completely agree with the experimental findings of various samples. The results indicate a direct connection among the interphase characteristics and composite stiffness. Specifically, an interphase size of 10 nm and interphase modulus of 15 GPa at a ND concentration of φ_f = 0.01 produce a 300 % improvement in the modulus of system. Moreover, the ideal combination of the smallest ND radius (2 nm) and the highest ND concentration (φ_f = 0.04) results in a remarkable 250 % enhancement in the nanocomposite modulus.