Determination of Mechanical Performance and Microstructural Properties of Ethylene-1-Octene Copolymer (EOC) Elastomer and Glass Beads (GB) Filled Polypropylene (PP) Composites

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the mechanical performance of the parts (bumper, panel, console, and accessories) where stiffness and toughness are required in the automotive industry and to examine their microstructure properties. Mechanical properties of the blende and composite materials were determined by adding ethylene-1-octen (EOC) elastomer to provide toughness, micron-sized glass beads (GB) for rigidity and a mixture of both in certain proportions to polypropylene (PP) polymer. 12wt.% EOC elastomer added PP blend, 8wt.% glass bead filled PP composite, and 12wt.% EOC elastomer and 8wt.% glass bead hybrid filled PP composites were first produced in granule form in a twin-screw compounding machine. Then, a conventional injection molding machine was used to produce test samples conforming to the standards. Tensile and impact tests were carried out for mechanical tests. In order to give an idea about the fluidity, the melt flow index test was carried out.

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used for microstructure investigations of the polymer blend and composites. At the same time, EDS analysis was performed for characterization. As a result of the experiments, the glass bead increased the stiffness of the composite, while EOC elastomer increased the toughness of the blend and composite. It has been determined that the interfacial bonding between the glass beads and the polymer main matrix is ​​not good, therefore the mechanical properties are reduced.