Fracture study of modified TiO2 reinforced PP/EPDM composite: mechanical behavior and effect of compatibilization

Abstract

Elastomer-rich thermoplastic polyolefin containing Polypropylene(PP) and Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Terpolymer (EPDM) were studied with a variable EPDM content(0–50 %) in PP. Surface modification of TiO2 was made by using Amino Propyl Trimethoxy Silane APS and Triethyl Amine as coulping agent and surface grafting catalyst respectively with constant stirring at 300 rpm. PP/EPDM/TiO2 ternary composites were obtained after surface modification using twin screw extruder at TiO2 loading of 1 wt.%, 3 wt.% and 5 wt.% respectively using twin screw extruder and optimized. The effect of TiO2 nanoparticle on the mechanical and morphological properties was investigated, which showed improved impact strength and toughness under plane strain condition. Deep fracture study was done at different temperature (−60 to 60 °C) using izod impact test and SENT Test. Fracture stress, fracture energies and brittle to ductile transitions were determined by crack initiation and propagation process which shows that there is a significant increment in the impact and fracture energies at positive temperature. The morphological study of fractured surface of blend and blend nanocomposite has also been investigated employing SEM analysis.