Formation of a transition layer on the fillers of polymer composites

Based on a plane model of composites, the effect of a transition layer on the elastic modulus E_c of the composites is analyzed in the case where, under the action of a load, the transition layer is formed both on the side of matrix and filler. In evaluating E_c, it is assumed that the elastic modulus in the layer grows linearly from the elastic modulus of matrix to that of filler, but pores in the filler are impermeable to matrix macromolecules. Analytic relation ships are found which allow one to determine the volume fractions of the transition layer on the side of matrix and filler if the experimental elastic modulus of the composite is known. These relationships are used to find the magnitude of the layer in epoxy composites with various fillers and to evaluate its effect on the compressive elastic modulus of the composites. __________ Translated from Mekhanika Kompozitnykh Materialov, Vol. 42, No. 5, pp. 693–700, September–October, 2006.