Multiscale asymptotic homogenization analysis of epoxy-based composites reinforced with different hexagonal nanosheets

Abstract The present work studies the mechanical properties of epoxy-based composites which are reinforced by hexagonal monolayer nanosheets such as graphene, boron nitride, silicon carbide and aluminum nitride, based on the Kalamkarov’s general asymptotic homogenization composite shell model. This parametric study on total atomic interactions in the unit cell with the asymptotic homogenization method allows clearly establishing effective Young’s modulus, shear modulus, Poisson’s ratios and stiffness coefficients of hexagonal nanosheets and epoxy-based composites reinforced with them as functions of the force constants, bond length, thickness and volume fractions. The present homogenized sandwich-like model has simplified rules which consider interfacial forces and clears the behavior of the matrix-reinforcement interface. The results from the present homogenized model show good agreement with the trustworthy results of other researchers which are available in the literature. Moreover, the present model is useful for modeling nanostructures instead of heavy computational modeling or difficult experiments.