Numerical investigations of structure-property relationships in particle filled polymers

Strength and toughness of particle filled polymers substantially depend on deformation localization and damage processes in the matrix material which are caused by the disintegration of particles. In the paper, a regular homogeneous distribution of rigid spherical particles in a particular polypropylene is considered with the particles partially disbonded. The evolution of inelastic deformation in the polymer is investigared by means of FEM on the base of 2d and 3d unit cells, respectively. In three-dimensional simulations, localization occurs only within a narrow range of particles' contents and disbonding angles. In two-dimensional models which reflect reality in case of ultramicroscopic in situ observations - the inelastic deformation localizes in almost any case.