FEM Modeling on Scratch Behavior of Multiphase Polymeric Systems

In-depth understanding of how the presence of dispersed particles influences the scratch behavior of multiphase polymeric systems requires extensive knowledge of the corresponding local deformation and damage mechanisms during scratching. Effects of particle type, size, and concentration on scratch behavior of multiphase polymeric systems have been investigated based on a three-dimensional finite element method (FEM) modeling effort. Effect of particles location underneath the surface during scratch has also been studied. The results show that the presence of hard and soft particles can drastically affect the stress and strain field development during the scratching process. The FEM stress and strain field analysis explains the experimentally observed scratch-induced damages in multiphase polymeric systems reported in the literature.