Analytical modeling of tensile strength of particulate-filled composites

Based on Christensen and Lo's (11) three-layer sphere model, a two-layer bu ilt-in model is proposed to represent particulate-filled composites. Follow ing Papanicolaou and Bakos' (14) procedure for a particle embedded in an in finite matrix model and using the rule-of-mixtures approach, formulations e stimating the tensile strength of particulate-filled composites are develop ed. Unlike Papanicolaou and Bakos' formulations, the formulations developed in the present paper can characterize the effect of particle size, particl e size distribution, and particle clustering on the tensile strength of the composites. A reasonable agreement is found between the predicted tensile strength and the experimental results found in the literature. Parameters a ffecting the tensile strength of particulate-filled composites are discusse d via the calculated results.