Combining rules for predicting the thermoelastic properties of particulate filled polymers, polymers, polyblends, and foams

Abstract

Abstract Various models that have been proposed to predict the properties of particulate filled systems are reviewed and compared with experimental data. At filler volume fractions less than ∼0.2‐∼0.3, these models give essentially equivalent predictions that are within the scatter of experimental measurements. At higher volume fraction of inclusions, significantly different results are obtained from the various models. These predictions either overestimate or underestimate observed properties. New, theoretical combining rules are presented to predict the Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio shear modulus, bulk modulus, and coefficient of thermal expansion in terms of the properties of the matrix and inclusion and the volume fraction concentration of the inclusion. The predictions of these combining rules are in good agreement with experimental data that cover the feasible concentration range of inclusions for a variety of composite materials, ranging from particulate filled thermosetting resins to thermoplastic foams.