Crystallization Behavior and Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites

Glass fiber with different content and different kinds of compatibilizers were used to prepare glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (GFRP) composites. beta-nucleating agent with different content was used to prepare beta-polypropylene (PP), after which the toughness, crystallization ability and heat resistance were all enhanced. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) showed that the crystallite degree and crystallization ability were all greatly improved and beta-PP was in dominant position. At last, both beta-nucleating agent and glass fiber were used to modify the PP composites (beta-GFRP). The formation of beta-form PP made the matrix softer, which was beneficial for energy absorption and enhancement of toughness. The tensile strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus were improved dramatically, which were attributed to the coeffect of framework structure of GF and beta-form PP.