The effects of filler size on the properties of thermoplastic polyolefin blends

• Published in: Journal of vinyl & additive technology Vol. 5; no. 4; pp. 235 - 240
• Main Authors: Wong, Tony L., Barry, Carol M. F., Orroth, Stephen A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.12.1999; Wiley; John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Adhesivity; Particle size; Polymer blends; Propylene polymer; Butylene derivative copolymer; Mechanical properties; Thermoplastic rubber; Dispersion reinforced material; Tensile property; Paint; Experimental study; Composite material; Score strength; Wollastonite; Impact strength; Size effect; Micron size particle; Surface properties; Ethylene copolymer
• ISSN: 1083-5601; 1548-0585
• DOI: 10.1002/vnl.10337

Abstract The effects of filler size on the properties of a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) blend were examined by using wollastonite and talc with particle sizes ranging from 1.2 to 40 μm. While addition of filler produced significant changes in the mechanical properties of the blend, filler size affected only impact strength. However, filler size, filler coating, and injection speed had a major effect on the surface properties of the blend. Faster injection produced denser “shear zone layers” which exhibited better scratch resistance and poorer paint adhesion than those obtained with slower injection. Scartch resistance and paint adhesion also decreased with increasing filler particle size. Filler coatings altered the scratch and adhesion properties of the polypropylene (PP) blends.