Toughening and reinforcing of polypropylene

Abstract

To improve the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP), some elastomers and fillers are used. The impact properties and tensile strength are affected by both the mineral additives and the polymer additives. There are also some changes in the thermal properties. To improve the interfacial adhesion, some low molecular polymers are added to assist the dispersion of the fillers and the uniformity of the various polymers with PP. The addition of low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or the styrene–butylene–styrene block copolymer (SBS) can improve the impact properties of PP. The propylene–ethylene copolymer has a more pronounced effect than does the physical blending of PP with PE. Calcium carbonate can reinforce PP resin. The ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) has an effect on the printing properties of the PP. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.