Predictive modeling of elastic properties of particulate-reinforced composites

The Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio of isotropic composites made of particulate glass fillers in a BISGMA/TEGDMA resin matrix are determined using an axisymmetric spherical cell finite-element model developed by Guild and co-authors for modeling the elastic properties of rubber particles/epoxy composites with volume fractions of less than 0.5. Here, we have used this method to calculate the elastic properties of particulate-filled composites with a range of filler volume fractions, including those with filler fractions above 0.5, which are of primary interest for dental clinical applications. We have also conducted modeling studies on the influence of imperfect interfaces and thin interlayers on the elastic properties of composites with low and high filler volume fractions. Finally, we have conducted experimental tensile tests in order to compare theoretical predictions with experimental data. The predictions from the current model agree well with the test results for a range of volume fraction up to 0.53.