An Investigation on Improving the Impact Strength of Polypropylene

Polypropylene (PP) is one of the most commonly used thermoplastics. However, due to the poor impact strength, especially at low temperature of pure PP, the applications of PP are still limited comparing to its potential. This study is aim to investigate the improvement of impact properties of PP by melt blending with three types of copolymers including Engage, Infuse, and Versify. From the investigation of the mechanical properties, it was observed that the impact strength of PP was improved significantly and bending strength as well as tensile modulus decreased while adding Engage and Infuse copolymers. Versify copolymer didn't affect on the mechanical properties of PP. Several analysis methods such as Differential scanning calorimetric and Scanning electron microscopy were also used and showed the influences of the copolymers on the thermal properties as well as the fracture surface morphology of PP and PP/copolymer blends