Impact fracture toughness and morphology of polypropylene/Mg(OH)2 composites

Abstract

Abstract Magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)2] with high flame retardant efficiency filled polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared using a twin-screw extruder. The impact fracture behavior of the composites was measured at room temperature. It was found that the toughening effect of the filler content on the PP resin was significant. The V-notched Izod impact strength of the PP/Mg(OH)2 composites showed a nonlinear increase with increase in filler weight fraction (ϕf), as ϕf was <15%, and then it decreased slightly; When ϕf was <15%, the V-notched Charpy impact strength of the PP/Mg(OH)2 composite also increased nonlinearly, then it decreased slightly. The impact fracture surface was observed by means of a scanning electronic microscope, to understand the toughening mechanisms for the composite systems.