Particle size dependence of the Young's modulus of filled polymers: 1. Preliminary experiments

Experimental results are reported from which it appears that in the case of polymer filled with silane-treated glass beads the Young's modulus is, in accordance with present theory, independent of the particle size of the filler. However, if pure glass beads are used as filler, the Young's modulus appears to be significantly dependent on the particle size. Different explanations for this behaviour have been discussed, of which all but one could be ruled out. The remaining explanation is based on the assumption of a particular morphology of the polymer surrounding untreated filler particles

Particle size dependence of the Young's modulus of filled polymers: 1. Preliminary experiments

Experimental results are reported from which it appears that in the case of polymer filled with silane-treated glass beads the Young's modulus is, in accordance with present theory, independent of the particle size of the filler. However, if pure glass beads are used as filler, the Young's modulus appears to be significantly dependent on the particle size. Different explanations for this behaviour have been discussed, of which all but one could be ruled out. The remaining explanation is based on the assumption of a particular morphology of the polymer surrounding untreated filler particles

The mechanical properties of chalk-filled polypropylene : a preliminary investigation

The results are discussed of mechanical tests on chalk-filled polypropylene. This investigation had a preliminary character and was aimed at locating points of interest for further research. The effects of a variation of the particle size of the filler, the filler content and the interfacial adhesion on the properties were examined. The observed differences were explained qualitatively on the basis of a study of the microdeformations

Particle size dependence of the Young's modulus of filled polymers: 2. Annealing and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance experiments

Experimental results are reported from which it appears that in the case of polymer filled with silane-treated glass beads the Young's modulus is, in accordance with present theory, independent of the particle size of the filler. However, if pure glass beads are used as filler, the Young's modulus appears to be significantly dependent on the particle size. In a previous report a hypothetical explanation was given for this behaviour. It was assumed that, owing to the free filler surface offered to the polymer in the case of the untreated glass beads, the morphology of the polymer matrix adjacent to the filler particles is different from that of the bulk of the material. The results of annealing and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance experiments reported here appear to support this hypothesis

Particle size dependence of the Young's modulus of filled polymers: 2. Annealing and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance experiments

Experimental results are reported from which it appears that in the case of polymer filled with silane-treated glass beads the Young's modulus is, in accordance with present theory, independent of the particle size of the filler. However, if pure glass beads are used as filler, the Young's modulus appears to be significantly dependent on the particle size. In a previous report a hypothetical explanation was given for this behaviour. It was assumed that, owing to the free filler surface offered to the polymer in the case of the untreated glass beads, the morphology of the polymer matrix adjacent to the filler particles is different from that of the bulk of the material. The results of annealing and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance experiments reported here appear to support this hypothesis