Novel Theoretical Self‐Consistent Mean‐Field Approach to Describe the Conductivity of Carbon Fiber–Filled Thermoplastics: PART II. Validation by Computer Simulation. Issue 4 (7th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yang, Guanda; Schubert, Dirk W.; Qu, Muchao; Nilsson, Fritjof
• Is Part Of: Macromolecular theory and simulations. Volume 27:Issue 4(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-05-07
• Subjects: computer simulation -- electrical conductivity -- finite element modeling -- polymeric fiber composites; Macromolecules -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Macromolécules -- Périodiques; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1002/mats.201700105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1022-1344

Abstract

Abstract: The electrical conductivity of polymeric fiber composites is generally strongly dependent on the constituent conductivities, the fiber filler fraction, the fiber aspect ratio, and on the orientation of the fibers. Even though electrically conductive polymer composites are emerging materials of high scientific and commercial interest, accurate mathematical models for describing such materials are rare. A very promising mathematical model for predicting the electrical conductivity below the electrical percolation threshold, for both isotropic and anisotropic composites, is however recently published by Schubert. The shortcomings of that study are that the model includes so far only one predicted parameter and that it is not sufficiently validated. In the current study, finite element modeling is used to successfully validate the model of Schubert for isotropic fiber composites and to accurately determine the predicted parameter. These theoretical predictions are finally compared with experimental conductivity data for isotropic carbon fiber/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites with fiber filler fractions in the range 0–12 vol% and fiber aspect ratios from 5 to 30. The model forecasts, without any adjustable parameters, are satisfactory close to the experimental data. Abstract : In this study, finite element modeling simulation is used to successfully validate the model of Schubert for isotropic fiber composites and to determine the predicted parameter. Simulation on Monte Carlo generated composite geometries is applied to determine the (aspect ratio depending) predicted variable.