Measurement of the Young's modulus in particulate epoxy composites using the impulse excitation technique

A study of the Young's modulus as a function of the volumetric filler content in an epoxy matrix was carried out. To this aim, composites were prepared adding to the resin matrix particles of aluminum, copper and quartz with typical sizes of about 100 μm. To measure values of the Young's modulus, an experimental set-up based on the impulse excitation technique was developed. The results obtained are discussed in terms of two well-known micromechanical models: one based on the Hashin-Shtrikman relationships and in the other one the Kerner equation was used. The analysis of the information obtained for the three different types of filler used allow concluding that the Kerner equation describes correctly the Young's modulus behaviour as a function of filler content. From the fitting procedure of the experimental data, additional information regarding the Young's modulus was obtained.