Estimation of Interlayer Thickness in Inorganic Particulate-Filled Polymer Composites

Abstract

The structure of the interlayer between matrix and inclusions affect directly the mechanical and physical properties of inorganic particulate-filled polymer composites. The interlayer thickness is an important parameter for characterization of the interfacial structure. The effects of the interlayer between the filler particles and matrix on the mechanical properties of polymer composites were analyzed in this article. On the basis of a simplified model of interlayer, an expression for estimating the interlayer thickness ([Formula: see text]) was proposed. In addition, the relationship between the [Formula: see text] and the particle size and its concentration was discussed. The results showed that the calculations of the [Formula: see text] and thickness/particle diameter ratio ([Formula: see text]) increased nonlinearly with an increase of the volume fraction of the inclusions. Moreover, the predictions of [Formula: see text] and the relevant data reported in literature were compared, and good agreement was found between them.