Finite Element Simulation of Tensile Behaviors in the Elastic Region For PP/nano-TiO2 Composites

Polypropylene (PP)/nano-TiO2 composites were prepared by the melt intercalation molding. Based on the assumption of continuum mechanics model for materials, a finite element analysis model for the composites was constructed using ANSYS 11.0 software. In the stage of deformation (pre-yield regime) the response mechanism of the stress and the strain for composites was investigated, and the von mises stress field of PP/nano-TiO2 composites has also been simulated. It was found that the simulation results are Consistent with the testing results at low volume strain level. The results simulated using the 2D model are accurate with the experimental results. If the volume fraction of particles is less, other particles have little influence on the local stress field of a certain particle, no obvious overlap or cross of the stress field could be found between two neighboring particles. While applying different loads, the stress jumps to maximum stress value in the interaction region of the two phase firstly, and then it occurs that the particles debond with the matrix.