Analytical models for the effective tensile strength of nanocomposites: a comprehensive review

A comprehensive review about the analytical models focused on the prediction of the tensile strength of nanocomposites materials is presented here. A new classification of these models is proposed considering the main assumptions, physical phenomena, fitting factors, complexity, robustness, requirements of experimental characterization, and computational time cost as suitable factors for evaluating the efficiency for the prediction of the tensile strength. Analytical models are proposed to be classified into three families: First Generation, Second Generation and Third Generation. The accuracy and consistency of the models comprising these three families are evaluated using two experimental benchmarks works that include an aluminium alloy matrix and a magnesium AZ91D alloy matrix, which are reinforced with multi-wall carbon nanotubes. The results demonstrate the importance of considering geometrical parameters of the nano-reinforcements and some strengthening mechanisms to obtain a suitable trade-off between accuracy and robustness for the prediction of the effective tensile strength of nanocomposites.