The temperature-dependent tensile strength is an important indicator used to evaluate
combination property of short-fiber-reinforced elastomer matrix composite. Some
short-fiber-reinforced elastomer matrix composites are manufactured in the molding preparation
process, and the tensile tests of fiber, matrix and the composites are carried out at different
temperatures. The fiber length and orientation distributions are statistically analyzed. The influence of
temperature on the micromechanical stress distribution and transfer in the composite is investigated,
and the thermal stresses in the fiber, matrix and fiber-matrix interface are obtained. Based on the
theory of micromechanical stress distribution and transfer of the fibrous composite, the mixture law is
modified, and a model for predicting the temperature-dependent tensile strength of this kind of
composite is developed. Moreover, the mechanism of the tensile fracture of the composite at various
temperatures is discussed. Research indicates that the tensile strength is largely related to the
temperature, mechanical performances of the main components of the composite and some
microstructural parameters, such as short fiber aspect ratio, volume fraction and orientation
distribution. The tensile strength of SFRE decreases with increasing temperature. The tensile strength
increases with the increase of fiber length when the fiber length is no larger than critical fiber length.
There exists a critical fiber volume fraction where the tensile strength of SFRE reaches the maximum.
The tensile fracture of the composite depends largely on the temperature, the bond strength of
fiber-matrix interface and the average length of reinforcing short fibers. The temperature-dependent
tensile strengths predicted by the presented model are in good agreement with experimental data.
Prediction of temperature-dependent properties of short fiber reinforced thermoplastic by unit cell analysis