Stochastic Finite Element Modelling of Char Forming Filler Addition and Alignment – Effects on Heat Conduction into Polymer Condensed Phase

Abstract

Micro-and nano-filler particles have been considered as char-forming flame retardants for polymers. It has been shown that suitable particles may operate in the condensed phase to prevent or delay the escape of fuel into the gas phase. Good flame retardancy performance may be achieved in composites with comparatively low filler loadings. However, many candidate filler materials, such as rod-like and plate-like carbon allotrope fillers with high aspect ratio, will effectively enhance the composite's thermal conductivity, and hence, may greatly increase heat input into the condensed phase. Moreover, anisotropy in terms of thermal conductivity must be considered when rod-like and plate-like particles are aligned, for example as a result of manufacturing processes. The presented study investigates these effects, i.e., thermal conductivity enhancement due to filler addition and alignment, using a modeling framework based on Monte Carlo simulation that was developed for predicting effective composite properties considering filler-matrix and particle-to-particle interfacial effects. A stochastic finite element analysis was performed to model rod-shaped carbon particles embedded in a polymer matrix. The chosen analysis is demonstrated to be an effective means for elucidating the effect of filler addition and alignment on the heat conduction into polymer materials containing fillers as charforming flame retardants.

Stochastic Finite Element Analysis Framework for Modelling Mechanical Properties of Particulate Modified Polymer Composites

“…In addition to randomly oriented particles, modified polymers with aligned particles have gained interest among material designers for improving mechanical and thermal properties [21]. High strength filler modified polymers [22,23,24] and sensors [25,26] are example applications that require filler alignment to create explicit anisotropic mechanical properties.…”

Computational design and development of high-performance polymer-composites as new encapsulant material for concentrated PV modules

“…Molecular dynamics simulations and continuum mechanics-based models are used for the cases where properties are controlled at atomic/molecular levels 7,16 . Whereas, finite element models [17][18][19][20] and homogenization schemes 17,[21][22][23] are used to predict the properties which are controlled at the microstructural level. The purpose of the current work is to present an approach for the design and development of composite materials for the backside encapsulant of CPV systems.…”