On stress whitening during surface deformation in clay-containing polymer nanocomposites: A microstructural approach

The study describes the surface deformation behavior and susceptibility to surface damage in two clay-reinforced intercalated polymer nanocomposite systems that have significant differences in ductility. Neat polybutene (PB) experiences a severe and distinct ‘quasi-periodic psiloma-type’ deformation process that was absent on reinforcement with clay. In clay-PB nanocomposite system, ‘ironing,’ a less severe surface damage mechanism is dominant. While in the less ductile polymethylpentene (PMP) polymer system, ploughing–tearing and micro-voiding constitute the surface deformation mechanism. Both the clay-reinforced polymer nanocomposite systems experience significantly reduced stress whitening and is characterized by a lower change in gray level. The optical transparency of the polymeric systems is governed by the micromechanism of deformation and is greater for the ductile PB system. The difference in the susceptibility to surface deformation behavior is discussed in terms of mechanical properties and clay-induced structural changes. The reinforcement of polymers with nanoclay has a positive overriding positive influence on the modulus and yield strength that increases the resistance to surface deformation.