Theoretical modeling of the temperature dependent tensile strength for particulate-polymer composites

Abstract In this work, a temperature dependent tensile strength model for particulate-polymer composites was developed. The combined effects of temperature, particle volume fraction, particle radius, the evolution of interfacial bonding strength and polymer matrix strength with temperature are considered in this theoretical model. It was verified by comparison with the available tensile strength of particulate-polymer composites at different temperatures. Good agreement between the theoretical predictions and experimental results is obtained, which demonstrates the reasonability and applicability of the model. Additionally, we discussed the comparisons between the proposed model and the commonly used Pukanszky's model, and performed the influencing factors analysis regarding the temperature dependent tensile strength of particulate-polymer composites in detail. This study offers a reasonable method to predict the tensile strength of particulate-polymer composites at different temperatures, which could replace phenomenological models that do not have predictive capability. Meanwhile, some useful insights concerning the material evaluation, strengthening, and optimization are obtained.