PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL AND THERMAL DEFORMATION PROPERTIES OF PLASTICIZED HIGHLY FILLED COMPOSITES BASED ON POLYPROPYLENE AND QUARTZ

Abstract

The influence of quartz content (silicon dioxide) on the main physical-mechanical properties of composites based on polypropylene is considered. It is shown that the loading of a compatibilizer – a copolymer of polypropylene with maleic anhydride – into the composition of the composite improves the properties and compatibility of the mixed components of the mixture. Properties such as ultimate tensile stress, tensile yield strength, elongation at break, Vicat softening temperature and melt flow index were studied. The use of synthesized polyethylene wax as a plasticizer made it possible to significantly improve the deformability of highly filled composites. The quartz concentration was varied within 5.0–25 % wt., and the plasticizer concentration was 1.0–3.0 % wt. The method of thermomechanical studies shows the patterns of change in thermomechanical curves in the temperature range of 20–250 °C, depending on the concentration of quartz, plasticizer and vulcanizing agent. The complex of studies carried out has opened up new possibilities for strengthening composites and increasing their Vicat softening temperature.