Micromechanics for fiber volume percent with a photocure vinyl ester composite

Micromechanics for fiber volume percent (V_f) from 0.0V _f to 54.0 V_f were conducted using (3 mm long × 9 μm diameter) high-purity quartz fibers in a visible-light vinyl ester particulate-filled photocure resin. MTS fully articulated four-point bend fixtures were used with a 40 mm test span and 50 × 2 × 2 mm ³ sample dimensions. Specimens were tested following the combined modified ASTM standards for advanced ceramics ASTM-C-1161-94 and polymers ASTM-D-6272-00 for modulus, flexural strength, and yield strength. Experimental data provided reliable statistical support for the dominant fiber contribution expressed through the rule-of-mix-tures theory as a valid representation of micromechanical physics. The rule-of-mixtures micromechanics described by V _f could explain 92, 85, and 78% of the variability related to modulus, flexural strength, and yield strength respectively. Statistically significant improvements with fiber addition began at 10.3V, for modulus, 5.4V_f for flexural strength, and 10.3V, for yield strength, p < 0.05. In addition, correlation matrix analysis was performed for all mechanical test data. An increase in V_f correlated significantly with increases in modulus, flexural strength, and yield strength as measured by the four-point beriding test, p < 10^-10. All mechanical properties in turn correlated highly significantly with one another, p < 10^-9.