On the mechanical behaviours of a craze in particulate–polymer composites

In polymeric composites, well-defined inclusions are incorporated into the polymer matrix to alleviate the brittleness of polymers. When a craze is initiated in such a composite, the interaction between the craze and the surrounding inclusions will greatly affect the composite’s mechanical behaviours and toughness. To the best knowledge of the authors, only little research work has been found so far on the interaction between a craze and the near-by inclusions in particulate–polymer composites. In the current study, the first time, the influences of the surrounding inclusions on the craze are investigated in particulate–polymer composites. The three-phase model is adopted to study the fracture behaviours of the craze affected by multiple inclusions. An iterative procedure is proposed to solve the stress intensity factors. Parametric studies are performed to investigate the influences of the reinforcing particle volume fraction and the shear modulus ratio on fracture behaviours of particulate–polymer composites.     

Homogenization of multicoated inclusion-reinforced linear elastic composites with eigenstrains: Application to thermoelastic behavior

A new micromechanical approach for arbitrary multicoated ellipsoidal elastic inclusions with general eigenstrains is developed. We start from the integral equation of the linear elastic medium with eigenstrains adopting the Green's function technique and we apply an ‘(n+1)-phase’ model with a self-consistent condition to determine the homogenized behavior of multicoated inclusion-reinforced composites. The effective elastic moduli and eigenstrains are obtained as well as the residual stresses through the local stress concentration equations. The effective eigenstrains are determined either with the concentration tensors obtained here by the present model, or, more classically, with Levin's formula. In order to assess our micromechanical model, some applications to the isotropic thermoelastic behavior of composites with and without interphase are given. In particular, ‘four-phase’ and ‘three-phase’ models are derived for isotropic homothetic spherical inclusion-reinforced materials, and the results are successfully compared to exact analytical solutions regarding the effective elastic moduli and the effective thermal expansion.     

Resonance dispersion of the longitudinal waves in disperse composites

Vibrations and longitudinal waves in a composite formed by a viscoelastic matrix and solid-state inclusions are considered. Vibration-wave processes in the long-wave approximation are described on the basis of the complex dynamic density taking into account inertial-elastic-viscous interaction of the matrix and inclusion-oscillators upon their forward vibrations. Resonance dependences for the dynamic density and translational viscosity of the composite at the moderate volume concentration of inclusions are presented. The formulas obtained are specified for composites with spherical and cylindrical inclusions and are compared with the known experimental results.     

The influence of particle distribution and interphase on the thermal expansion coefficient of particulate composites by the use of a new model

In this work, the thermal expansion coefficient (CTE) of a composite containing spherical particles surrounded by an inhomogeneous interphase embedded in an isotropic matrix is evaluated by means of a new model. The thermomechanical properties of the interphase are formulated as continuous radial functions. It is assumed that this third phase developed between the polymeric matrix and the filler particles contains both areas of absorption interaction in polymer surface layers onto filler particles as well as areas of mechanical imperfections. It can be said that the concept of boundary interphase is a useful tool to describe quantitatively the adhesion efficiency between matrix and particles and that there is an effect of this phase on the thermomechanical properties of the composite. The thickness and volume fraction of this phase were determined from heat capacity measurements for various filler contents. On the other hand, it is assumed that the particle arrangement (distribution) which can be considered as an influence of neighboring inclusions and their interaction should affect the thermomechanical constants of the composite. The theoretical predictions were compared with experimental results as well as with theoretical values from expressions obtained from other workers and they were found to be in satisfactory agreement.     

高浓度纤维增强材料介电特性计算方法

针对复合材料的微观结构非均匀和各向异性特点带来的数值方法计算慢、内存消耗大的问题,利用均匀化方法计算纤维增强复合材料的等效电磁参数.采用了纤维低体积添加比至高体积添加比的迭代方法,同时提出了一个描述材料微观结构的修正的特征长度,将现有的均匀化方法推广至非准静态(微波频段)条件下高纤维浓度情况.提出的修正的均匀化模型可直接用于反射系数、屏蔽效能等计算,其屏蔽效能与实际微观结构复合材料的数值仿真结果进行了对比,验证了提出的等效电磁参数计算公式的有效性和频率适用范围.     

Theory of absorption of electromagnetic radiation by highly inhomogeneous two-component systems

Calculations are made of the permittivity of a composite formed by a mixture of a dielectric matrix and macroscopic magnetic inclusions. It is shown that the dielectric loss tangent in this material is a complex function of their concentration x, and this function is determined. The dependence of the absorption maximum on x is determined and it is shown that the maximum is only observed in the presence of foreign inclusions. Conditions for the existence of an absorption maximum are obtained for the two most interesting physical cases. A method of calculating the components of the depolarization tensor is proposed for a thin-film composite. Zh. Tekh. Fiz. 69, 89–94 (July 1999)     

A model of the cathode spot glow discharge for a cathode withinclusions of low work function material

A model that describes the self-maintained glow discharge for a composite cathode in which cathode spots are formed on low work function material inclusions is presented. Based on this model, expressions are obtained for the radius of the spot, the cathode voltage, and the spot current as functions of Pd (where P is the gas pressure and d is the thickness of the cathode layer), the parameters of the inclusions, and the basic material matrix are obtained. Numerical results for the case of a glow discharge in 75 torr neon gas with a copper cathode matrix and inclusions of LaB₆ are presented. The average radii of inclusions were 0.05 and 0.015 mm. Conditions under which the glow discharge migrates from the inclusions and begins to spread onto the surface of the basic matrix are obtained. The transition of the glow discharge into a contracted state, depending on the structure of the composite material, is also considered     

Effect of Thermoelastic Characteristics of Components,Shape of Non-Isometric Inclusions,and Their Orientation on Average Stresses in Matrix Structures

The paper presents model calculations on which to predict volume-average external stress under changes of local internal stress in matrix composites with non-isometric inclusions. It is assumed that the rise of local stress owes to different coefficients of linear thermal expansion of non-isometric inclusions and matrix. The inclusions are taken as ellipsoids of rotation (disks, short fibers) and their principal semiaxes as oriented either along three mutually perpendicular directions x, y, and z of a rectangular coordinate system, only along x and y, or only along x. The average stress in the heterogeneous material and its local stress within an individual inclusion are related through a stress concentration operator (fourth rank tensor) for which an explicit expression is derived in a generalized singular approximation of random field theory. The relations obtained for external stress take into account thermoelastic characteristics of the two components as well as inclusion concentrations and orientations in the matrix. The calculation is applied to estimate the average stress along three axes in a composite consisting of an ED-20 epoxy binder and non-isometric copper inclusions.     

Thermal and electrical conductivity of poly(l-lactide)/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are considered to be the ideal reinforcing agent for high-strength polymer composites, because of their fantastic mechanical strength, high electrical and thermal conductivity and high aspect ratio. Polymer/MWCNTs composites are easily molded, and the resulting shaped plastic articles have a perfect surface appearance compared with polymer composites made using usual carbon or glass fibers. Good interfacial adhesion between the MWCNTs and the polymer matrix is essential for efficient load transfer in the composite. The ultrahigh strength polymer composites demand the uniform dispersion of the MWCNTs in the polymer matrix without their aggregation and the good miscibility between MWCNT and polymer matrix. This approach can also be applied to biodegradable synthetic aliphatic polyesters such as poly(l-lactide) (PLLA), which has received a great deal of attention due to environmental concerns. In this study, PLLA was melt-compounded with MWCNTs. A high degree of dispersion of the MWCNTs in the composites was obtained by grafting PLLA onto the MWCNTs (PLLA-g-MWCNTs). After oxidizing the MWCNTs by treating them with strong acids, they were reacted with l-lactide to produce the PLLA-g-MWCNTs. The mechanical properties of the PLLA/PLLA-g-MWCNT composite were higher than those of the PLLA/MWCNT composite. The electrical conductivity of the composites was determined by measuring the volume resistivity, which is a value of the resistance expressed in a unit volume by two-probe method. The thermal diffusivity and heat capacity of composites was measured by laser flash method, and the effects of modification of the MWCNT in PLLA matrix are discussed.     

High-frequency behavior of magnetic composites

The paper reviews recent progress in the field of microwave magnetic properties of composites. The problem under discussion is developing composites with high microwave permeability that are needed in many applications. The theory of magnetic composites is briefly sketched with the attention paid to the laws governing the magnetic frequency dispersion in magnetic materials and basic mixing rules for composites. Recent experimental reports on the microwave performance of magnetic composites, as well as data on the agreement of the mixing rules with the measured permeability of composites that are available from the literature are discussed. From the data, a conclusion is made that the validity of a mixing rule is determined by the permeability contrast in the composite, i.e., the difference between permeability of inclusions and that of the host matrix. When the contrast is low, the Maxwell Garnet mixing rule is frequently valid. When the contrast is high, which is of the most interest for obtaining high microwave permeability of a composite, no conventionally accepted theory is capable of accurately predicting the permeability of the composites. Therefore, the mixing rules do not allow the microwave properties of magnetic composites to be predicted when the permeability of inclusions is high, that is the case of the most interest. Because of that, general limitations to the microwave performance of composites are of importance. In particular, an important relation constraining the microwave permeability of composites follows from Kittel's theory of ferromagnetic resonance and analytical properties of frequency dependence of permeability. Another constraint concerning the bandwidth of electromagnetic wave absorbers follows from the Kramers-Kronig relations for the reflection coefficient. The constraints are of importance in design and analysis of electromagnetic wave absorbers and other devices that employ the microwave magnetic properties of composites, such as magnetic substrates for microwave antennas, microwave inductors, etc.     

Interface Stability of Microencapsulated-Paraffin Filled Epoxy Composites: Effect of Methylation on Melamine–Formaldehyde Shell Material

Microcapsules containing phase change materials (microPCMs) can be filled in polymeric matrix forming smart temperature-controlling composites. The aim of this study was to investigate the composite interface stability of microPCMs/epoxy composites. Paraffin was applied as the phase change materials. Methanol–melamine–formaldehyde (MMF) and melamine–formaldehyde (MF) were both used to form the shell of microPCM by in-situ polymerization. The investigation focused on studying the effect of methylation and interface stability. The MF- and MMF-prepolymers were both successfully used to fabricate microcapsules with globe shapes and smooth surface. Thermal stability tests proved that the MMF-shell microPCMs/epoxy composites had a better interface stability than MF-shell microPCMs/epoxy composites. Mechanical properties also indicated that the MMF-shell microPCMs/epoxy composites had less tensile strength destruction after the thermal treatment. These results mean the MMF-resin enhanced the interface bonding stability though improving the interface molecule entanglement. As the MMF molecular has relative flexible ability and can adjust its conformation under change in environmental conditions, the interface will decrease the microstructure defects such as cracks, gaps and debonding.     

Effective dynamic properties of 3D composite materials containing rigid penny-shaped inclusions

The propagation of time-harmonic plane elastic waves in infinite elastic composite materials consisting of linear elastic matrix and rigid penny-shaped inclusions is investigated in this paper. The inclusions are allowed to translate and rotate in the matrix. First, the three-dimensional (3D) wave scattering problem by a single inclusion is reduced to a system of boundary integral equations for the stress jumps across the inclusion surfaces. A boundary element method (BEM) is developed for solving the boundary integral equations numerically. Far-field scattering amplitudes and complex wavenumbers are computed by using the stress jumps. Then the solution of the single scattering problem is applied to estimate the effective dynamic parameters of the composite materials containing randomly distributed inclusions of dilute concentration. Numerical results for the attenuation coefficient and the effective velocity of longitudinal and transverse waves in infinite elastic composites containing parallel and randomly oriented rigid penny-shaped inclusions of equal size and equal mass are presented and discussed. The effects of the wave frequency, the inclusion mass, the inclusion density, and the inclusion orientation or the direction of the wave incidence on the attenuation coefficient and the effective wave velocities are analysed. The results presented in this paper are compared with the available analytical results in the low-frequency range.     

Cobalt iron-oxide nanoparticle modified poly(methyl methacrylate) nanodielectrics

In this paper, we report the dielectric properties of composite systems (nanodielectrics) made of small amounts of mono dispersed magnetic nanoparticles embedded in a polymer matrix. It is observed from the transmission electron microscope images that the matrix polymeric material is confined in approximately 100 nm size cages between particle clusters. The particle clusters are composed of separated spherical particles which comprise unconnected networks in the matrix. The dielectric relaxation and breakdown characteristics of the matrix polymeric material are altered with the addition of nanometer size cobalt iron-oxide particles. The dielectric breakdown measurements performed at 77 K showed that these nanodielectrics are potentially useful as an electrical insulation material for cryogenic high voltage applications. Finally, structural and dielectric properties of nanocomposite dielectrics are discussed to present plausible reasons for the observed low effective dielectric permittivity values in the present and similar nanodielectric systems. It is concluded that polymeric nanoparticle composites would have low dielectric permittivity regardless of the permittivity of nanoparticles are when the particles are coordinated with a low dielectric permittivity surfactant.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">SH</Emphasis> wave diffraction and resonances in periodic structures with super-thin inhomogeneities

Propagation of a time-harmonic plane SH wave and its diffraction in periodic layered elastic composites with both a single infinitesimally thin inhomogeneity and an array of inhomogeneities (cracks, rigid inclusions) are analyzed. The mathematical model is based on an integral approach, a system of boundary integral equations, and a T-matrix; the commonly used spring model is also applied for a damaged composite. The resonances and wave localization in the vicinity of obstacles are focused.     

Vibrations of carbon nanotube-reinforced composites

This work deals with a study of the vibrational properties of carbon nanotube-reinforced composites by employing an equivalent continuum model based on the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach. The theory allows the calculation of the effective constitutive law of the elastic isotropic medium (matrix) with dispersed elastic inhomogeneities (carbon nanotubes). The devised computational approach is shown to yield predictions in good agreement with the experimentally obtained elastic moduli of composites reinforced with uniformly aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The primary contribution of the present work deals with the global elastic modal properties of nano-structured composite plates. The investigated composite plates are made of a purely isotropic elastic hosting matrix of three different types (epoxy, rubber, and concrete) with embedded single-walled CNTs. The computations are carried out via a finite element (FE) discretization of the composite plates. The effects of the CNT alignment and volume fraction are studied in depth to assess how the modal properties are influenced both globally and locally. As a major outcome, the lowest natural frequencies of CNT-reinforced rubber composites are shown to increase up to 500 percent.     

颗粒增强金属基复合材料变形强化中的应变梯度效应

 针对单轴压缩实验,根据颗粒增强金属基复合材料中颗粒和基体两相的局部变形协调条件,并通过简单的位错模型,确定出与变形协调相应的几何必需位错密度,进而导出一种颗粒强化-应变梯度律。从中可以清楚地看出,颗粒增强金属基复合材料的强化由材料的微结构特征几何参数l和基体应变梯度联合控制。对于颗粒含量一定的复合材料,颗粒越小,应变梯度越高,强化效果越好。这一结果揭示了,颗粒强化及尺寸效应主要是通过应变梯度效应来表现的。这也同时说明,应变梯度可能是控制材料变形与断裂的重要因素之一。     

聚对苯乙炔MOPPV/ZnSe量子点复合材料太阳电池性能研究

基于量子点材料的特殊物理性能和量子点聚合物复合材料高的光电转换性能, 本文在MOPPV溶液中制备了粒度可控、 结晶性好、颗粒尺寸约为3.75 nm的ZnSe量子点材料, 最终获得不同质量比的MOPPV/ZnSe复合材料. 分别使用X射线衍射、透射电子显微镜、紫外可见吸收光谱等研究其特性结果表明MOPPV与ZnSe量子点可以有效地复合且发生光诱导电荷转移; 通过对MOPPV、ZnSe和MOPPV/ZnSe复合材料太阳电池性能的研究发现, 与MOPPV和ZnSe单体相比复合材料光伏特性呈现增加的趋势, 并且复合材料光电性能随着ZnSe量子点材料质量浓度的增加呈现先增大后减小的现象, 当MOPPV和ZnSe的质量比为1:1时, 其转换效率最大, 开路电压为0.516 V, 短路电流为2.018 mA, 填充因子为25.53%, 转换效率为0.167%. 关键词： 量子点 复合材料 伏安特性     

Mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced polymer composites: a review

There has been a growing interest in the utilization of sisal fibres as reinforcement in the production of polymeric composite materials. Natural fibres have gained recognition as reinforcements in fibre polymer–matrix composites because of their mechanical properties and environmental friendliness. The mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced polymer composites have been studied by many researchers and a few of them are discussed in this article. Various fibre treatments, which are carried out in order to improve adhesion, leading to improved mechanical properties, are also discussed in this review paper. This review also focuses on the influence of fibre content and fabrication methods, which can significantly affect the mechanical properties of sisal fibre-reinforced polymer composites.     

Effect of fiber surface treatments on the fiber–matrix interaction in banana fiber reinforced polyester composites

Cellulosic fibers have been used as cost-cutting fillers in plastic industry. Among the various factors, the final performance of the composite materials depends to a large extent on the adhesion between the polymer matrix and the reinforcement and therefore on the quality of the interface. To achieve optimum performance of the end product, sufficient interaction between the matrix resin and the cellulosic material is desired. This is often achieved by surface modification of the resin or the filler. Banana fiber, the cellulosic fibers obtained from the pseudo-stem of banana plant (Musa sepientum) is a bast fiber with relatively good mechanical properties. The fiber surface was modified chemically to bring about improved interfacial interaction between the fiber and the polyester matrix. Various silanes and alkali were used to modify the fiber surface. Modified surfaces were characterized by SEM and FTIR. The polarity parameters of the chemically modified fibers were investigated using the solvatochromic technique. The results were further confirmed by electrokinetic measurements. Chemical modification was found to have a profound effect on the fiber–matrix interactions. The improved fiber–matrix interaction is evident from the enhanced tensile and flexural properties. The lower impact properties of the treated composites compared to the untreated composites further point to the improved fiber–matrix adhesion. In order to know more about the fiber–matrix adhesion, fractured surfaces of the failed composites where further investigated by SEM. Of the various chemical treatments, simple alkali treatment with NaOH of 1% concentration was found to be the most effective. The fiber–matrix interactions were found to be dependent on the polarity of the modified fiber surface.     

Determine mechanical properties of particulate composite using ultrasound spectroscopy

It is known that microscopic spherulite growth plays an important role in macroscopical properties such as elastic moduli of some semicrystalline polymers. Ultrasonic spectroscopy can be used to quantitatively determine the role of spherulites. As a first approximation, spherulitic polymers are modeled as a material with spherical inclusions in an amorphous matrix. This two-phase composite model is then physically realized by embedding glass micro-spheres in an epoxy. The dynamic mechanical properties of these composites are experimentally determined by measuring their acoustic properties such as phase velocity and attenuation. Acoustic scattering theories are then applied to this model to test their predictive capabilities for the real composite's mechanical properties.