Interface effects on mechanical properties of particle-reinforced composites

The effects of interfaces on the mechanical properties of particle reinforced composites were studied. The hypothesis that composite flexural modulus, flexural strength, and toughness are directly proportional to filler-matrix interfacial shear strength was examined. For the mechanical properties measured, it was found that the flexural modulus was independent of the type of filler surface treatment, though flexural strength and toughness were highest for the silanated glass. The findings suggested that increasing the strength of the bond between filler and matrix does not result in improvements in the mechanical properties of particulate reinforced composites in contrast to fiber-reinforced composites.