New models for effective Young's modulus of particulate composites

Four new models for relative Young's modulus of concentrated particulate composites are developed using a differential scheme along with the solution of an infinitely dilute dispersion of particles in a solid matrix. The solid matrix phase is assumed to be incompressible in the derivation. Relative Young's modulus of concentrated particulate composites is a function of three variables according to the first two models developed in the paper; the three variables are: dispersed-phase Poisson's ratio, ratio of dispersed phase Young's modulus to matrix phase Young's modulus, and volume fraction of particles. The remaining two models include an additional parameter, that is, the maximum packing volume fraction of particles. The proposed models are evaluated using seven sets of experimental data on Young's modulus of concentrated particulate composites. (c) 2005 Published by Elsevier Ltd.