| dc.description.abstract | Composites of thermoplastic elastomer blend of polypropylene (PP) and ethylene propylene
diene terpolymer (EPDM) reinforced calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was investigated. All the composites
were prepared by using Z-blade mixer at 180oC and rotor speed 50 rpm. The effect of filler loading of
calcium carbonate filled PP/EPDM composites on mechanical properties, water absorption, morphology
and thermal properties were studied. In general, increased of calcium carbonate loading have increased
the value of modulus of elasticity, water absorption, thermal stability, whereas tensile strength, elongation
at break and crystallinity of composites reduced. A compatibilizer, (MAPP) or coupling agent, (3-APE) was
used to improve the mechanical properties of composites. The presence of MAPP or 3-APE improved the
tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, thermal stability and crystallinity composites, whereas elongation at
break and water absorption reduced. Results from scanning electron microscope (SEM) show that fillermatrix
interaction was improved with incorporation of MAPP or 3-APE. The effect chemical modification of
calcium carbonate with acrylic acid (AA) in PP/EPDM composites increased the tensile strength,
elongation at break, modulus of elasticity, thermal stability and crystallinity composite but water absorption
reduced. The micrograph SEM showed the treated composites with acrylic acid has better dispersion in
PP/EPDM matrix. Effects of dynamic vulcanization on the properties of PP/EPDM/CaCO3 composites
exhibit higher tensile strength, elongation at break and modulus of elasticity but lower water absorption.
The SEM study of tensile fracture surface of dynamic vulcanized composites show interfacial interaction
between calcium carbonate and PP/EPDM matrix has been improved. The dynamic vulcanized
composites also exhibit better thermal stability and higher crystallinity. | en_US |
