Influence of Impact Fracture Behavior of Matrix on Variation of Impact Strength with Filler Incorporation for Polypropylene Composite

Abstract

The influence of impact fracture behavior on variation of impact strength with filler incorporation for polypropylene/elastomer/filler ternary composite was investigated. CaCO3, particles with a diameter of 3.0μm were used as filler. When the polymer matrix showed the brittle fracture (low temperature or low elastomer fraction)the incorporated filler improved slightly impact strength. On the other hand, when the matrix showed the ductile fracture (high temperature or high elastomer fraction), the incorporated filler decreased significantly impact strength. These results indicated that the influence of incorporated filler on impact strength depended on the impact fracture behavior of the polymer matrix.