# Predictions of elastic properties of reinforced polymers accounting for the agglomeration of fillers

Predictions of elastic properties of reinforced polymers accounting for the agglomeration of fillers A micromechanics model for the prediction of elastic properties of reinforced polymers taking into account the agglomeration of fillers is developed. The influence of the shape of fillers on the results is discussed on the basis of a model developed earlier (Tandon and Weng in Compos. Sci. Technol. 27:111–132, 1986). The analysis is extended further for the consideration of possible agglomeration of fillers, and a micro-structure parameter $$\eta$$ η is accordingly introduced for its characterization. The values of the $$\eta$$ η -parameter are in the interval from zero to unity; higher value of $$\eta$$ η implies a greater degree of agglomeration of fillers. The applications of the model to some polymers reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are discussed; theoretical predictions are compared with experimental and numerical results available in the literature. It is concluded that the $$\eta$$ η -parameter increases with the volume fraction of fillers in current fabrication processes, and the agglomeration of fillers renders the reduction of the stiffness-enhancement capability of SWNTs. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Acta Mechanica Springer Journals

# Predictions of elastic properties of reinforced polymers accounting for the agglomeration of fillers

, Volume 228 (9) – May 13, 2017
12 pages

/lp/springer_journal/predictions-of-elastic-properties-of-reinforced-polymers-accounting-AE7Ah0ybNL
Publisher
Springer Vienna
Subject
Engineering; Theoretical and Applied Mechanics; Classical and Continuum Physics; Continuum Mechanics and Mechanics of Materials; Structural Mechanics; Vibration, Dynamical Systems, Control; Engineering Thermodynamics, Heat and Mass Transfer
ISSN
0001-5970
eISSN
1619-6937
D.O.I.
10.1007/s00707-017-1856-x
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

### Abstract

A micromechanics model for the prediction of elastic properties of reinforced polymers taking into account the agglomeration of fillers is developed. The influence of the shape of fillers on the results is discussed on the basis of a model developed earlier (Tandon and Weng in Compos. Sci. Technol. 27:111–132, 1986). The analysis is extended further for the consideration of possible agglomeration of fillers, and a micro-structure parameter $$\eta$$ η is accordingly introduced for its characterization. The values of the $$\eta$$ η -parameter are in the interval from zero to unity; higher value of $$\eta$$ η implies a greater degree of agglomeration of fillers. The applications of the model to some polymers reinforced with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are discussed; theoretical predictions are compared with experimental and numerical results available in the literature. It is concluded that the $$\eta$$ η -parameter increases with the volume fraction of fillers in current fabrication processes, and the agglomeration of fillers renders the reduction of the stiffness-enhancement capability of SWNTs.

### Journal

Acta MechanicaSpringer Journals

Published: May 13, 2017

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