Mechanical properties of talc-filled polypropylene: Coupling agent effect

The effect of unreactive coupling agent on mechanical and thermal properties of talc-filled polypropylene (PP) composites was studied. Stearic and oleic acids were introduced as coupling agents, and tensile, flexural, and impact strength, thermal stability and melting transition temperature were measured and analyzed according to the types and concentration of coupling agents. Tensile and flexural strength were enhanced by introduction of coupling agent and the maximum effect was observed at the concentration of 3 wt% of coupling agent. Tensile and flexural strength of PP treated with oleic acid were higher than those of PP treated with stearic acid, but impact strength vice-versa. The reasons for these results were postulated by analyzing morphologies of talc-filled PP observed by SEM.