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Micromechanics for Fiber Volume Percent With a Photocure Vinyl Ester Composite
Richard C Petersen1, Jack E Lemons2, Michael S McCracken3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
Polymer Composites
|November 11, 2014
Summary
This study demonstrates that the rule-of-mixtures theory accurately predicts the mechanical properties of quartz fiber-reinforced composites. Increasing fiber volume fraction significantly enhances modulus, flexural strength, and yield strength.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Composite Materials
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Composite materials offer tunable mechanical properties through constituent selection and arrangement.
- Understanding the micromechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced composites is crucial for material design.
- The rule-of-mixtures theory provides a theoretical framework for predicting composite properties based on fiber and matrix characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally validate the rule-of-mixtures theory for predicting the micromechanical properties of quartz fiber-reinforced vinyl ester composites.
- To determine the effect of varying fiber volume fraction (Vf) on the modulus, flexural strength, and yield strength of the composites.
- To establish statistically significant thresholds for fiber addition that lead to property improvements.
Main Methods:
- Micromechanical testing of composite specimens with varying quartz fiber volume fractions (0.0% to 54.0%).
- Utilized MTS four-point bend fixtures and followed modified ASTM standards (ASTM-C-1161-94 and ASTM-D-6272-00).
- Performed correlation matrix analysis to assess relationships between fiber volume fraction and mechanical properties.
Main Results:
- The rule-of-mixtures theory explained 92% of variability in modulus, 85% in flexural strength, and 78% in yield strength.
- Statistically significant improvements in modulus and yield strength began at 10.3% Vf, and flexural strength at 5.4% Vf (p < 0.05).
- Increased Vf showed significant positive correlations with modulus, flexural strength, and yield strength (p < 10^-10), with all properties highly correlated (p < 10^-9).
Conclusions:
- The rule-of-mixtures theory is a valid and effective model for predicting the micromechanical behavior of these composites.
- Fiber volume fraction is a critical parameter for enhancing the mechanical performance of quartz fiber-reinforced vinyl ester composites.
- The study provides quantitative data on the minimum fiber content required for significant mechanical property enhancement.
