On the effect of particle size on fracture toughness of polymer composites

Abstract

Fracture toughness of particle reinforced polymers is strongly affected by the size of particles. It can be improved or reduced depending on the materials used and the volume fractions at which the values are compared. Dissipation mechanisms, as particle debonding and subsequent yielding of the polymer, are responsible for the characteristic behaviour. If the debonding energy per volume is considered it can be concluded that smaller particles are favourable for this value. But the product of the specific debonding energy with the dissipation volume is the decisive quantity. Depending on the used debonding criterion, i. e. stress or energy, different conclusions can be drawn. The energy criterion leads to the conclusion that the debonding process inducing fracture toughness independent of particle size, however, the stress criterion at the interface supports the conclusion that smaller particles increase facture toughness.

Effect of Particle Size on Mechanical Properties of Sawdust-High Density Polyethylene Composites under Various Strain Rates

“…Composites that had a low aspect ratio showed superior strength, which allows better transfer between the matrix and the fillers (Ashori and Nourbakhsh 2009). Moreover, some researchers concluded on the basis of an energy debonding criterion damage dissipation is strongly dependent on the size of particles, where smaller particles are favorable to increase material toughness (Lauke 2009). Meanwhile, at the same particle content, smaller particle size leads to lower interparticle distance where extensive plastic deformation in the matrix can be easily induced (Zhang et al 2011).…”

Ethylene-octene copolymer (POE) toughened polyamide 6/polypropylene nanocomposites: Effect of POE maleation

“…However, the Izod impact test data cannot be used for design purposes, although they can be used for comparing the toughness between different polymer systems. With the objective to characterize toughness of polymer nanocomposites with greater accuracy, many researchers have adopted fracture mechanics approach in their studies [2,16,17]. Furthermore, the toughness evaluation of PA6/PP/ elastomer nanocomposites, particularly fracture toughness, has not been systematically investigated.…”

Analysis of the effect of size, amount and surface treatment on the tensile strain of a brittle adhesive reinforced with micro cork particles

“…Since this research intends to reach the best combination to improve the ductility of the adhesive, it can be concluded that the small particles are the best option in case of tensile loading. Several authors have studied the effect of particle size on the mechanical performance of thermosetting polymers [20,32,33]. Some studies [19,34] indicate that, for composites with micro scale particles, fracture toughness generally increases with particle size, but this analysis is not consensual.…”