Measurement on dynamic compressive properties and rate sensitivity of polypropylene/zinc oxide nanocomposites

Abstract

Rate sensitivity is one of the statistical evaluator that determines the performance of material especially at high strain rate loading. Despite its acknowledge importance, there is very limited number of works were reported on the dynamic mechanical behaviour of particulate filled polymer composites especially, polypropylene reinforced zinc oxide nanocomposites. Based on this limitations, the mechanical behaviour and the rate sensitivity of polypropylene reinforced zinc oxide nanocomposites, with particle contents of 1%, 3%, and 5% by weight, were successfully studied under a wide range of strain rates (i.e., 0.01 s-1, 0.1 s-1, 650 s-1, 900 s-1, and 1100 s-1) using a universal testing machine and a split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus. Results show that the stiffness and strength properties of polypropylene reinforced zinc oxide nanocomposites were greatly affected by the particle loading as well as the applied strain rate. In addition, it is interesting to note that the composite specimens show positive increment with increasing loading rates.