Predictive Model for Determining the Dispersion Component of Surface Free Energy in Dispersion-Filled Polymer Composites

Abstract

The paper develops a predictive model to determine the influence of the value of the dispersion component of the free surface energy (FSE) and the volume fraction of fillers on the dispersion component of the FSE of a polymer composite. Mathematical equations and graphical relationships illustrating these relationships are presented. The model is based on the assumption that in composites the FSE value is partially determined by interactions at the polymer-filler interface. Using the predictive model, it was established that the dispersion component of the free surface energy (FSE) can be a reflection of the properties of polymer composites. The reliability of the predictive assessment is shown on the example of an epoxy polymer composite with various mineral fillers.