Effective properties of fiber and platelet systems and related phase arrangements in n-phase heterogenous media

For the structures which are neither aggregates nor inclusion-reinforced matrices, relevant property estimates are missing. We address composites with several, all or none co-continuous phases. Property estimates from various fibre systems and platelet systems that are likely to well approach the effective properties of such microstructures are examined. We provide arguments in favour of the relevancy of some of the investigated systems to represent phase co-continuity (or co-discontinuity), the reported results being supported by theoretical, topological and experimental considerations. The discussion is held in the linear elasticity framework with open extensions to other properties and behaviours.

Research highlights▶ Property estimates miss if materials are neither aggregates nor reinforced matrices. ▶ We address composites with several, all or none co-continuous phases. ▶ We examine fibre and platelet systems as convenient microstructural descriptors. ▶ How they represent phase co-continuity (or co-discontinuity) is analyzed. ▶ Special attention is paid to platelet systems with remarkable properties reported.