Mechanical and rheological properties of multicomponent polypropylene blends

Abstract Polypropylene (PP) compositions containing CaCO₃ filler, EPDM (ethylene‐propylene‐ethylidenenorbornene) elastomer, and a non‐reactive surfactant were investigated in the mixing chamber of a plastograph. Rheological properties were determined from the registered torque (M) vs. time and temperature (T) vs. time curves, while tensile characteristics of the blends were measured on compression molded plates. The homogenization process can be followed with the aid of 1 n M vs. 1/T diagrams. In the first few minutes of the mixing, beside homogenization, a significant breaking down of the elastomer takes place, and the size of the particles attains an equilibrium value. Dispersion time increases with increasing amount of EPDM and surface active‐agent. Morphological investigations indicate the presence of a continuous PP phase containing dispersed CaCO₃ and elastomer particles. The rheological and tensile characteristics are seemingly determined by the total amount of additives, which imply that the elastomer and the filler has the same effect on the properties of the composite. Separation of the effects proved, however, that the effect of the two components are dissimilar, the filler exerts a larger influence on the investigated properties.