Microbond testing and finite element simulation of fibre-microballoon-epoxy ternary composites

Mechanical properties of ternary composites consisting of fibres, particles and polymer matrix are strongly influenced by the interface combination status of the three components. We investigated the interfacial bond properties of fibre-microballoon-epoxy ternary composites using a microbond test and finite element simulation. The finite element simulation using ANSYS software predicted force-displacement curves and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) consistent with those determined by the microbond test for a wide range of fibre-microballoon-epoxy ternary composites. It is found that fibre diameter has the largest influence on the IFSS of the ternary composites, followed by the volume fraction and size of the microballoon particle. The von Mises and contact friction stress contour plots from the simulation models were used to explain the influences of these parameters on the IFSS of the ternary composites determined by the microbond test.