The Fracture Toughness of Epoxy-Glass Bead Composites
Abstract
The plane strain fracture toughness of epoxy resins and glass bead filled epoxy composites has been investigated. Primary parameters were curing agent concentration, filler concentration, adhesion of filler to polymer, temperature, and water immersion. Fracture toughness was measured using double edge notched specimens and tensile strength and Young's modulus were measured using standard ASTM tensile bars. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the fracture surfaces. It was found that the energy required for fracture depended primarily on the ability to dissipate energy in the polymer phase. At higher temperatures and/or increased catalyst concentration, the unfilled epoxy became more ductile, its fracture surface became rougher, and its fracture energy was increased. At lower temperatures, where the epoxy was relatively brittle, the addition of glass beads increased the fracture energy and induced roughness in the otherwise smooth fracture surface. When the epoxy was ductile, the addition of beads tended to decrease the fracture energy. The reduction of fracture energy for the ductile polymer was attributed to the reduction of the amount of polymer surface created.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1971
- Accession Number
- AD0880428
Entities
People
- A. D. Wambach
- A. T. Dibenedetto
Organizations
- Monsanto