Mechanical Properties, Morphology, and Crystallization Behavior of Polypropylene/Elastomer/Talc Composites

In this study, polypropylene/ethylene-octene copolymer (PP/POE) blends, PP/talc, and PP/POE/micro-talc (MT) composites were fabricated using a twin screw. To estimate the performances of the PP/POE blends, PP/talc, and PP/POE/MT composites, mechanical properties, heat deflection temperature (HDT), thermomechanical analysis, and isothermal crystallization characterization were conducted. Incorporating talc particles increased the tensile strength, flexural properties, and HDT of the PP matrix, but reduced the elongation at break and notched impact strength. The inclusion of POE elastomers in the PP matrix yielded the opposite effect on PP/talc composites. PP/POE/MT composites provide a compromise that improves both the flexural properties and notched impact strength. Moreover, the inclusion of talc particles in PP/POE blends induced heterogeneous nucleation and considerably reduced the crystallization time. Consequently, the time required for processing was also greatly reduced. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:69-77, 2015. (c) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers