Prediction of the Elastic Properties of Ultra High Molecular-Weight Polyethylene Particle-Reinforced Polypropylene Composite Materials through Homogenization

Abstract

In this study, to improve the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) with the objective of developing a composite with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as a reinforcement, the mechanical properties of the composite material were investigated via numerical analysis and finite element analysis (FEA). Based on a mathematical approach, the modulus of elasticity, shear modulus, and Poisson’s ratio were calculated using a numerical model, and, through FEA with application of the homogenization method, the elastic properties were predicted, and the results were comparatively analyzed. In the future, it will be necessary to compare experimental and numerical analysis results to verify the findings of this study.