Particle size dependence of the Young's modulus of filled polymers: 1. Preliminary experiments

Experimental results are reported from which it appears that in the case of polymer filled with silane-treated glass beads the Young's modulus is, in accordance with present theory, independent of the particle size of the filler. However, if pure glass beads are used as filler, the Young's modulus appears to be significantly dependent on the particle size. Different explanations for this behaviour have been discussed, of which all but one could be ruled out. The remaining explanation is based on the assumption of a particular morphology of the polymer surrounding untreated filler particles.