Finite element analysis of polymer composites filled by interphase coated particles

The effects of different interphase properties on Young's modulus, maximum stress concentration factor and stress distribution in glass bead-filled po lycarbonate (GB/PC) and interphase-coated glass bead-filled polycarbonate ( GB/INT/PC) have been investigated using the finite element method. A three- dimensional unit cell model has been built for modeling both two-phase and three-phase composites. The results from the predictive model allow the ded uction of the optimum interphase properties for reduction of the stress con centration and minimization of the drop in elastic modulus of the resulting composites. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.