Correlation between process and silica dispersion/distribution into composite: Impact on mechanical properties and Weibull statistical analysis

Abstract The aim of this study is to propose a methodology for controlling and monitoring particle dispersion at each step of composite manufacturing. Composites with well and poor particle dispersion were manufactured and characterized by numerous methods to estimate the impact of different dispersion state on mechanical properties. An original Weibull statistical analysis is suggested and shows the impact of this dispersion state on ultimate stress. For this purpose, a “model” matrix of PMMA was chosen. Well-dispersed silica enhanced Young's modulus by ∼9% and ultimate stress by ∼6%, while poorly-dispersed silica does not affect Young's modulus and ultimate stress. Moreover, a size effect is observed for well-dispersed composites; and not with poor particles dispersion.