The Influence of Filler Geometry on the Complex of Properties of Elastomeric Composite Materials

The aim of this work was to obtain and study the properties of elastomeric composite materials with various types of fillers - layered, spherical, and lamellar. The study used elastomeric composites based on ethylene vinyl acetate with the addition of aluminosilicate ceospheres, mica, and glass fiber as fillers. Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) is a lightweight and elastic material with good shock-absorbing properties. To improve adhesion to the polymer matrix, some of the fillers were modified by surface metallization, a technology for applying a metal coating to various surfaces using chemical solutions, which results in a thin and durable metal layer. The influence of filler geometry on the performance characteristics of the composite was demonstrated. The mechanical properties of the composites, as well as the morphology of the samples and their density, were studied. Conclusions were made about the possible areas of application of the obtained materials. It was found that the obtained samples have a dense fracture structure without macropores, but the microstructure varies depending on the type of filler. SEM analysis shows that the geometry and nature of the fillers influence the morphology of the composites: lamellar and fibrous inclusions increase stiffness, while spherical particles provide uniform reinforcement but impair adhesion to the matrix. All composites are characterized by brittle fracture, which requires improvement of interphase adhesion. The addition of fillers significantly varies the mechanical properties of EVA composites, with silver modification improving their strength and ductility. The density of EVA-based composites increases with the introduction of inorganic fillers due to the higher density of the mineral phases. Silver increases the density slightly, allowing the properties of the material to be modified without significantly affecting its mass characteristics.