Static and dynamic mechanical properties of epoxy-based multi-constituent particulate composites

Multi-phase particulate composites consist of individual particles of more than one material dispersed throughout and held together by a polymer binder. The mechanical and physical properties of the composite depend on the properties of the individual components; their loading density; the shape and size of the particles; the interfacial adhesion; residual stresses; and matrix porosity. These multi-phase particulate composites systems, particularly those with high fill densities, have not typically been studied to determine the effects of microstructural features on properties. In this paper, we present our investigation of the influence of particle size and dispersion on the static and dynamic mechanical response of these multi-phase (n > 2) polymer-metal composites. The low and high strain rate compressive strengths are determined using an MTS load frame and a split Hopkinson pressure bar, respectively, and the elastic properties were studied using dynamic mechanical analysis. The results are analyzed using a factorial design of experiments to determine the effect of aluminum and nickel volume percent and aluminum particle size on the compressive strength as a function of strain rate.