Predicting the tensile strength and elongation at break of PP/graphene/glass fiber/EPDM nanocomposites using response surface methodology

Abstract

Here, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the tensile properties of polypropylene (PP)-based nanocomposites. The levels of three factors were used for graphene (0–2 wt.%), glass fiber (10–30 wt.%), and EPDM (5–15 wt.%). The tensile tests, scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry were performed. It was found that some main parameters play significant roles on tensile properties of nanocomposites. A model was presented for each response. Also, optimum areas for tensile properties were determined. Finally, the results of the thermal analysis showed that the presence of nanoparticles increases the glass transition temperature of nanocomposites.