Preparation with modeling and theoretical predictions of mechanical properties of functionally graded polyethylene/clay nanocomposites

This paper presents preparation with modeling and theoretical predictions of mechanical pro-
perties of compatibilized functionally graded and uniform distribution polyethylene/modified
montmorillonite nanocomposites manufactured by solution and melt mixing techniques. The
morphology is studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and comparisons are made
between two techniques. Young’s modulus of nanocomposites for functionally graded and
uniform distributions is calculated using a genetic algorithm and is then compared with
the results of other theoretical prediction models mentioned in the literature as well as
experimental results. It is found that the melt mixing technique is the preferred prepara-
tion method, and the results obtained from the theoretical predictions of genetic algorithm
procedure are in good agreement with the experimental ones.