Influence of the Shape of Dispersed Particles on the Elastic Behavior of Composite Materials

Young's modulus was measured on a series of composites of magnesium oxide which contained low concentrations of graphite as flakes, fibers, and nearly spherical particles. The measured modulus was in excellent agreement with predictions of elastic behavior based on particle shape. Not only do the results indicate that accurate predictions of elastic moduli are possible, but also that the shape of dispersed particles has a dominating influence on the elastic properties of composite materials at low concentrations of an included phase.