Predictive models for the tensile strength of polymer composites comprising spherical nano-starch using interphase properties

This study presents two novel predictive equations based on the Pukanszky and Leidner–Woodhams models, tailored to forecast the tensile strength of polymer composites containing spherical nano-starch. The developed models integrate factors such as the starch volume fraction ( ϕ f ), interphase strength ( σ i ), interphase Thickness ( t i ), and starch radius ( r ) to provide a comprehensive understanding of nanocomposite strength. Accurate evaluation against experimental data highlights the models’ efficacy in precisely predicting the tensile strength for various starch-based nanocomposites. Neglecting these properties lead to erroneous predictions, emphasizing the importance of the developed models for optimizing nanocomposite performances. The proposed models assume the filler volume fraction powers as 1/3 and 2/3. The findings indicate that when the filler volume fraction power is set to 1/3, the developed models exhibit the most accurate fit to the experimental data. Additionally, the impacts of several variables, such as the interfacial parame t er ( B ), σ i , t i , and ϕ f , on the strength of the nanocomposites are graphed using the developed models. In the Pukanszky model, ϕ f only achieves high strength when the starch radius is low, indicating the significant roles of ϕ f and r data. The developed models reveal that B , t i , and σ i have direct relations with the strength of the nanocomposites, whereas r plays an inverse role. • This study introduces two models for the strength of polymer starch nanocomposites. • The developed models consider the interphase properties and starch radius. • The most accurate results are obtained when the filler volume fraction power is 1/3. • The experimental data of various samples confirm the accuracy of the developed models. • Smaller starch with thicker and stronger interphase produces the stronger nanocomposite.