Crack propagation in a glass particle-filled epoxy resin

TLDR: In this paper, the effect of particle/matrix adhesion on crack propagation in an epoxy resin reinforced with spherical glass particles was investigated in terms of crack pinning and blunting.

Abstract: The investigation outlined in the preceding paper has been extended to cover the effect of particle/matrix adhesion upon crack propagation in an epoxy resin reinforced with spherical glass particles. The behaviour has again been interpreted in terms of crack pinning and blunting. It has again been shown that in the absence of blunting a critical crack opening displacement criterion can be applied. The strength of the particle/matrix interface is found to affect both the crack propagation behaviour and the appearance of the fracture surface. It is also found to have a profound effect upon the fracture strength of the composites. The best overall mechanical properties are obtained for composites containing particles treated with coupling agent.