ROLE OF INTERFACE IN MECHANICAL ENERGY DISSIPATION OF COMPOSITES

The presence of discrete, inextensible particles which comprise the dispersed phase of a polymer composite can lead to a local magnification of strain in the matrix phase when the composite is subjected to uniaxial extension. The increased strain ratio results in a higher level of mechanical energy dissipation relative to an unfilled polymer. The effects of particle size, geometry, and interface formation on strain magnification are considered and compared with experimental data for three types of glass particle in a polyurethane elastomeric matrix. © 1969.