Abstract
The mechanical performance of composites depends not only on the characteristics of fillers and matrix used, but also on the quality of interface between these constituents. Thus, poor interfacial adhesion generally results in a decrease of the behavior of composite, which may be likened to an overall damage of the material. The purpose of this study is to propose a means of quick characterization of materials damage from mechanical vibrations analyses. Indeed, bad cohesion within thematerial can lead to friction phenomena, which tend to increase the damping level of its dynamic response. Several experimental techniques, some of which based on the analysis of the structural resonant frequencies, are presented in this study. The viscoelastic properties of particulate composites with polymer matrix are analyzed. Some design parameters of these model materials have been tuned, in order to create different damage levels. The results, particularly in regard to the loss factor, are interpreted from a comparison with simple analytical homogenization models.