New Approach to Predict Mechanical and Tribological Behaviour Through Rheological Properties of Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

Polypropylene is an adaptable polymer since its properties can be changed to meet particular issues. The effect of mineral fillers (CaCO 3 and wollastonite) with a distinction in the size on the rheological, mechanical and tribological properties of polypropylene (PP) have been examined. Variety concentrations of CaCO 3 and wollastonite are blended with polypropylene utilizing the velocity of the twin-screw extruder was 25 rpm and 190°C. Shear viscosity, shear stress and shear thinning effect where tested using SR20 Single pore Capillary rheometer. Tensile strength, elastic modulus, impact resistance, hardness, and coefficient of friction were exanimated. Likewise, surface topography wear track and surface morphology were exanimated utilizing AFM and light microscopy. The rheological result shows that both composites melt exhibited the shear-thinning effect. The PP/CaCO3 melt possess higher shear thinning effect than PP/Wollastonite melt. The reduction in viscosity and critical shear stress were observed for high wollastonite content. The outcomes demonstrated a huge upgrade in the mechanical and tribological performance for the resultant composites with increasing the concentration of both fillers especially the PP/wollastonite composites. Additionally, the results of AFM and light microscopy demonstrated that the roughness of the surface diminished with the decreasing of shear viscosity of the composites. In general, a great correlation between shear viscosities conducts with mechanical properties and surface quality for both PP composites.