Modelling the Young's modulus of platelet reinforced thermoplastic sheet composites

Particulate reinforced polymers is a mature field and many models are available to predict the Young's modulus of such composites. However, most existing models have a common flaw; they all predict that the composite modulus equals that of the reinforcing agent when the polymer content approaches zero. This implies, in this limit, a monolithic reinforcement whereas, in fact, it is composed of discrete particles with very little interaction. This is a serious drawback and therefore this study focussed on deriving an improved model for the prediction of the Young's modulus. The porosity of the present samples was correlated with the volume fraction binder and the maximum packing density of the pure reinforcement. A theoretical model for Young's modulus was derived along the lines of the Padawer and Beecher modified Cox model. However, it includes the effect of composite porosity on the composite's mechanical properties. In contrast to other available models, it correctly predicts the loss of material stiffness and strength in the limit of zero binder content. Good agreement was found between the predictions of this model and experimental measurements. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.