Simulation of the scale factor of a ductile fracture of polymer blends and composites on the basis of the specific interphase concept

Abstract

AbstractThe concept of interfacial layers surrounding inclusions in a host polymer is accepted as a basic source of the scale factor in the simulation of the large‐strain deformation and fracture of polymer blends and composites. The essence of the phenomenon is the ductile–brittle transition if the polymer ligament thickness exceeds a critical value, which is determined by the nature of the polymer. Original texture‐sensitive constitutive equations have been applied for the simulation of the polymer large‐strain deformation. Two periodic structural models of composites have been used. The disperse component (elastomeric or rigid inclusion) has been replaced by a geometrically identical system of pores, which coincides with phenomena of elastomeric inclusion rupture in rubber‐toughened plastics and debonding in particulate‐filled composites. The local loss of stability of an elastic deformation is used as a composite fracture criterion. The specific properties of the interphase can be caused by a specific texture and by closeness to a free surface. This specificity is stated in the model by an improved plastic ability compared with that of a bulk polymer. Our simulations show that the percolation of an interfacial polymer provides the brittle–ductile transition. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 2771–2777, 2003