The unfolding model for the representation of the mesophase layer in composites

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Abstract
The adhesion between matrix and inclusions (fibers or particulates) in a composite material is one of principal factors characterizing the mechanical and physical behavior of the modern composite materials. All theoretical models describing these substances neglect to consider the influence of the boundary layer developed between phases during the preparation of the composite. In this paper, two versions of a theoretical model were introduced for the evaluation of this mesophase layer. It had been shown that this thin layer influences considerably the physical properties of the composite. It was assumed that the physical properties of the mesophase unfold from those of the hard‐core fibers to those of the softer matrix. Thus, a multicylinder model was assumed, improving the classical two‐cylinder model introduced by Hashin and Rosen for the representative volume element of the composite. Based on thermodynamic phenomena appearing at the glass transition temperatures of the composite and concerning the positions and the sizes of the heat‐capacity jumps there, as well as on the experimental values of the longitudinal elastic modulus of the composite, the extent of the mesophase and the mechanical properties of the composite may be accurately evaluated. These versions of model are based on a previous one concerning a multilayer model, but they are considerably improved, in order to take into consideration, in a realistic manner, the physical phenomena developed in fiber‐reinforced composites.

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