A closed-form solution for creep rate induced by interface diffusion was developed for particulate reinforced composites. The driving force for diffusional mass transport along the interface was the normal stress acting on the interface, which was obtained from the Eshelby inclusion theory. For the application of the present solution to the realistic composites, the scale effect was taken into account by finite element analysis based upon a three-dimensional unit cell under uniaxial tension. The closed-form solution was an explicit function of the applied stress, reinforcement volume fraction and size, as well as the modulus ratio between the reinforcement and the matrix. It was noted that although the present solution was derived under the assumptions of free interface slip and the composites of a linearly elastic matrix, it was approximately applicable for the case of interface slip, and gave an upper bound of the creep rate for a composite of nonlinear matrix.

The Creep Rate Induced by Interface Diffusion in Particulate Composite Materials. Y.Li, Z.Li, X.Wang, J.Sun: Materials Chemistry and Physics, 2011, 131[1-2], 254-7