Effect of particle size on the mechanical properties of poly(vinylchloride)-copper particulate composite

The effect of particle size ratios on tensile strength, tensile modulus, impact strength, Vickers hardness and transverse rupture strength of particulate PVC-Cu composite has been studied. The strength values reach a maximum at a particular metal loading where the formation of a segregated network is believed to occur. This critical metal loading shifts towards lower values with increasing polymer-to-metal size ratios. The mean free path calculated from the proposed model is found to be same in all metal loadings, corresponding to strength maxima irrespective of the particle size ratios. A correlation between strength properties and the mean free path has been suggested.