The concept of boundary interphase in composite mechanics

Abstract

The thermomechanical behaviour of a particle composite was evaluated under the assumption that a boundary interphase between the matrix and the filler particles develops, upon the thermomechanical properties of which the overall behaviour of the composite depends. This interphase exists in reality and it contains both areas of adsorption interaction in polymer surface layers onto filler particles as well as areas of mechanical imperfections. Under the assumption that the interphase is homogeneous and isotropic exhibiting perfect adhesion with both main phases a theory was developed providing quantitative means of assessing the adhesion efficiency between the phases and its effect on the thermomechanical behaviour of the composite. Experimental results are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.