Dependence of particle volume fraction on sound velocity and attenuation of EPDM composites

The sound velocity and the attenuation coefficient of EPDM (Ethylene–propylene Diene Monomer) composites incorporated with Silicon Carbide particles (SiCp’s) of various volume fractions (0–40%) were experimentally and theoretically investigated. For the experiment a through-transmission technique was used. For the theoretical prediction, some mechanical property models such as Reuss model and Coherent Potential Approximation (CPA) model etc. were employed. The experimental results showed that the sound velocity decreased with the increase of the SiCp volume fraction up to 30% and then increased with the 40 vol% specimen. The attenuation coefficient was increased with the increasing SiCp volume fractions. The modified Reuss model with a longitudinal elastic modulus predicted most well the experimental sound velocity and elastic modulus results.