A modified classic‐micromechanics approach to predict effective elastic properties of nanoparticles reinforced polymers

Abstract The purpose of this study is to develop modified analytical models using micromechanical methods that can effectively estimate the elastic modulus of a polymeric composite material containing nanoparticle fillers. Relying on the Eigen‐strain concept in nanoparticle and matrix, Eshelby correlations initially developed for solid defects are revised. Also, an improved Mori–Tanaka and self‐consistent model were proposed based on the modified Eshelby equivalent inclusion approach, accordingly. The effective elastic properties including Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were estimated using new models and compared to the conventional and previously developed micromechanical models. Also, the estimated values were validated using the experimentally determined elastic properties. For the experimental program, CB/Elastomer nanocomposite specimens were fabricated and tested. Numerical computations indicate that the new models can well and more accurately predict the experiment at the small particle concentration.