Mesophases between Coupling Agents and Main Phases in Particulates

Recent progress in the science of composites has resulted in the introduction of an inter mediate phase between the two main phases of the composite which plays the role either of a coupling agent to increase the adhesion between matrix and inclusions, or of an appro priate mesophase whose purpose is to improve the weaker properties of the composite, such as its toughness or ultimate strength. Previous papers introduced unfolding models based on the principle of smooth and progressive transition of the properties of one phase to those of the other. These models were appropriate for describing the bonding layer be tween an inert phase and a polymeric one. When two polymeric phases are in contact, cre ating their own mesophase, as in the case of polymeric coupling agents (for instance si lanes or rubber coatings), and polymeric matrices, a new model should be introduced to describe such mesophases based on the diffusion processes of these phases. Such a model is presented in this paper, and its characteristic properties are extensively discussed. Ex perimental evidence indicates the validity of the results derived from such diffused phase models.