A study on fracture behavior of semi-elliptical 3D crack in claypolymer nanocomposites considering interfacial debonding

In the current research, the influence of clay platelet on crack characteristics of fully exfoliated clay/polymer matrix is scrutinized. A multi-scale 3-D finite element model comprising of four phases as clay platelet, non-perfect bond interactions, interphase region and surrounding matrix is constructed to investigate semi-elliptical matrix crack properties, as a nano-notch, subjected to fracture mode I. Subsequently, the strain energy release rate is acquired in terms of J-integral parameter considering the location and dimension, geometrical variables and modeling strategy. The results imply on the pronounced effect of clay debonding on crack behavior which leads to local stiffness reduction. Furthermore, interphase characteristics such as thickness and elastic modulus, have significant influences on the critical energy release rate. The results are consistent with published literatures and the model can be invoked as a viable tool to investigate the fracture behaviors of clay/polymer nanocomposites.