The Application of a Representative Volume Element (RVE) Model for the Prediction of Rice Husk Particulate-Filled Polymer Composite Properties
Polymer composites are widely used
materials with applications in multiple industries. However, its versatility
that led to subsequent rise in polymer consumption has prompted an increase in
research on alternative materials to address the associated environmental
concerns.
The properties of a
composite system are a complex function of a number of micromechanics
parameters, based on the synergistic interaction between the composite’s microstructure. Therefore, the study of micromechanics
made it possible to predict the material’s properties as a function of
constituent properties and local conditions.
In this study, a
numerical representative volume element (RVE) model was used to predict the
mechanical properties of a Rice Husk Particulate (RHP)-Epoxy composite for use
as an alternative material in non-critical applications. Seven different
analytical models Counto, Ishai-Cohen, Halpin-Tsai, Nielsen, Nicolais, Modified
Nicolais and Pukanszky were used as comparison tools for the numerical model.
RHP-Epoxy biocomposite samples were fabricated with 0%, 10% and 30% RHP volume
percentage and the experimental results benchmarked against the numerical and
analytical projections. The mechanical properties estimated for 0%, 10% and 30%
RHP-Epoxy composites using the numerical and analytical models were in general
agreement.
Using the
analytical models, it was calculated that an increase in volume percentage of
RHP to 30% led to continual reduction in elastic Young’s modulus and ultimate
tensile strength of the composite. The numerical RVE models also predicted a
similar trend between filler volume percentage and material properties. These
projections were consistent with the experimental results whereby a 10%
increase in RHP content led to 15% and 20% decrease in yield stress and tensile
strength, but had no effect on the composite’s elastic property. Further
increase in RHP volume percentage to 30% resulted in 8%, 21% and 28% reduction
in Young’s modulus, yield stress and tensile strength, respectively.
Overall, both
analytical and numerical models predicted that the addition of rice husk
particles can be used to replace some polymer content within the composite
structure with minimal effect to the composite’s mechanical properties.
Article by Anil
Saigal and Pandhita Pochanard, from Tufts University, Medford, MA, USA.
Full access: http://t.cn/EtpO5Pz
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