Micro-Crack Propagation in Particulate Composite with Different Types of Matrix

Abstract

Particulate composites with polymer matrix and solid fillers are one of important types of materials. Generally, these materials are usually used as construction materials, high-performance engineering materials or protective organic coatings. The main aim of a present paper is an estimation of the micro-crack behavior in the particulate composite with non-linear polymer matrix. The polymer matrix filled by magnesia-based mineral filler is investigated by means of the finite element method. A non-linear material behavior of the matrix was obtained from experiment as well as properties of mineral filler. Numerical model on the base of representative plane element (RPE) was developed. The results show that the presence of interphase between particle and matrix can improve fracture toughness of polymer particle composite through debonding process. The conclusions of this paper can contribute to a better understanding of the behavior of micro-crack in particulate composites with respect to interphase.