Thermoplastic multiphase composites: Tensile and creep behavior

It is shown that the strength of the investigated composite in which the concentration of chlorinated polyethylene can be as high as 60% (i.e., under the assumption that the matrix is formed by low-density polyethylene) is fairly well predicted by using the Smith-Nielsen lattice model. In turn, the experimental values of the modulus of elasticity for various compositions based on low-density polyethylene and chlorinated polyethylene can be predicted within the framework of the Hashin-Shtrikman variation fork and the creep of the same systems is predicted according to the power law. The concentration dependences of the elastic modulus and creep compliance for the investigated thermoplastic materials are S-shaped due to their multiphase structure. Thus, the elastic and creep properties of the composites can be successfully predicted for a fairly broad range of compositions.