Micromechanical models for stiffness prediction of alumina trihydrate (ATH) reinforced poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA): Effect of filler volume fraction and temperature

The elastic modulus of alumina trihydrate (ATH) reinforced poly (methyl methacrylate) was measured at different filler volume fractions and temperatures. The experimental values showed a 35% increase as the filler contents increased from 33 to 49 vol.%, and a 50% decrease with rising temperature from 0 to 90 degrees C. The findings were confirmed by analytical modelling predictions from the literature. Four analytical models were in very good agreement with the experimental data, including the Halpin-Tsai, the Generalised self consistent, the Lielens and Nielsen models. Amongst them the best model for the volume fractions used here was that of Lielens. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.