Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 February 2011
This work reports the dynamic mechanical characterization of nanocomposites based on a poly(butyl acrylate) matrix filled with spherical particles of either polystyrene or silica both of diameter around 100 nm. A discrete numerical simulation, taking into account the microstructure and the nature of contact between reinforcing particles has been developed. This simulation enables to quantify the effect of interactions between filler particles on the elastic modulus, and in a more general sense, to clarify the concept of mechanical percolation. It gives results in very good agreement with experimental data.