Influence of particle size ratio on the continuity of aggregates

Abstract

A model is developed which considers the volume fraction of dispersed phase necessary to form an infinitely long network as a function of the particle size ratio. Recognizing that neither a monolayer nor a double layer of dispersed particles around the primary phase is a necessary condition for continuity, the surface fraction of primary phase covered by the dispersed phase and the ratio of dispersed phase particles which are occluded from, versus contiguous to, the primary phase are estimated either empirically or by reference to probability theory. The theoretical results are compared with earlier experimental work on electrical properties of compacted mixtures of polymer and metal powders.