Effect of particle reinforcement on the progressive failure of alumina trihydrate filled Poly(Methyl methacrylate)

Abstract Particle reinforced polymers are of interest because of their low density and desirable mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. By adjusting the particle type, size, shape, and spatial distribution, significant changes in those properties can be obtained. Efforts to understand the role that the particle reinforcement plays in the overall mechanical behavior of the material system has historically been performed via ex-situ characterization and testing methods. This investigation aims, for the first time to the best of the authors knowledge, to observe not only the ex-situ parameter-induced effects on material properties but also the microstructure evolution via in-situ scanning electron microscopy coupled with Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) techniques with the objective to link the progressive activation and development of damage mechanisms to the measured mechanical behavior. This investigation reports a correlation between particle size and distribution and the measured progressive failure in two types of alumina trihydrate filled poly (methyl methacrylate) composites which provides useful insights into the design of such class of materials.