Abstract
In this work, highly filled composites made of a commercial polypropylene resin and low melting point Tin particles, up to 50 vol.% in loadings, have been prepared by melt blending process. The introduction of stearic acid (SA), a common dispersant, was investigated in compositions. The developed systems were characterized in terms of dynamic rheological testing. Final results confirmed a reduction of linear viscoelastic domain, by increasing filler loadings, with an effect more emphasized in the presence of SA. Contrary to literature studies, at equal filler content (50%), both moduli resulted to be superior for formulations containing the dispersing agent. A further rheological characterization continued on systems at 30 vol.% of particle loadings for highlighting differences depending on the SA addition. Specific tests were also performed at temperatures above the melting of Tin particles. Finally, optical microscopic analyses were carried out for gaining insight on sample microstructure, in controlled conditions of temperature and shear rate.
Highlights
Filled composites (HF) are a class of polymer-based system with a solid content greater than 40% by volume
This study proposes understanding the role of stearic acid in affecting the viscoelastic behaviour of highly filled composites based on commercial polypropylene resin
By analyzing the flow nature of the developed samples at temperatures of 190 °C, it was observed that the presence of stearic acid (SA) in formulations reduced the range of linear behaviour, attained in correspondence of a lower strain compared to mixtures not containing the additive
Summary
Filled composites (HF) are a class of polymer-based system with a solid content greater than 40% by volume. It. The same factors are deemed important in the case of electrical properties for sensors and electronic devices (solar cells, biosensors, and biofuel cells) (Deshmukh et al 2016). Rheologica Acta (2021) 60:661–673 extremely low concentration of free charge carriers: various attempts have been made to improve electrical conduction in polymer matrices by incorporating electrical conductive particles such as carbon-black particles, carbon fibers, and metallic fillers (Planes et al 2013). A high amount of filler in matrices is advantageous even for the mechanical properties of final products. The properties of composites are determined by the intrinsic properties of the pristine constituents (matrix and filler) as well as the adhesion of two phases. The presence of particles with high percentages of strength and hardness may have reinforcing effects by improving the mechanical strength and stiffness of basic polymers (Kajohnchaiyagual et al 2014)
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