Polymeric composite materials incorporating an elastomeric interphase: A mathematical assessment

• Published in: Composites science and technology 1993-01, Vol.46 (4), p.307-318
• Main Authors: Gardner, Steven D., Pittman, Charles U., Hackett, Robert M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; carbon-fiber composites; composite material interphase; composite material modeling; Composites; effective properties of composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; polymer-matrix composites; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0266-3538; 1879-1050
• DOI: 10.1016/0266-3538(93)90176-H

A mathematical model based upon the method of cells is extended in order to describe three-phase composite materials containing an interphase. A parametric study is performed wherein the effective properties of the composites are determined as a function of interphase material properties, interphase thickness and fiber volume fraction. The simulation is designed in particular towards describing the behavior of model composites which incorporate elastomeric polymers as an interphase to bond carbon fibers chemically to a polymeric matrix. Two hypothetical interphases are considered: one whose properties are representative of elastomers (Young's modulus less than fiber and matrix) and one whose properties are intermediate with respect to the fiber and matrix. The two cases provide a broad assessment of how the interphase properties influence the effective composite properties.