The effect of reinforcement volume fraction and particle size on the mechanical properties of β-tricalcium phosphate-high density polyethylene composites

The mechanical properties of the tricalcium phosphate-high density polyethylene (beta-TCP/HDPE) composite samples have been investigated by looking at the effect of particle size and volume fraction of tricalcium phosphate on the fracture strength, modulus of elasticity and failure energy in the composite samples. A decrease in both the fracture strength and failure energy was observed with an increase in the volume fraction of the tricalcium phosphate. Both properties decreased further with the use of larger beta-TCP particles. Increase in the tricalcium phosphate content led to an increase in the modulus of elasticity values in the composite samples. However, a lesser increase in modulus of elasticity was observed when larger beta-TCP particles were used in the preparation of the composite samples. SEM analysis of the fractured surfaces showed a transition from ductile to brittle type of failure as the volume fraction of the tricalcium phosphate increased in the samples. (c) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.