Effect of quenching temperature and filler rate on the mechanical thermal and physical properties of composites: Polypropylene/calcium carbonate

Polypropylene (PP) is a strong, tough, crystalline thermoplastic material with high performance. Because of its diverse thermo-physical and mechanical properties, it is utilized in a wide variety of disciplines. In this study, the impact of free quenching on the thermo-physical characteristics of PP/calcium carbonate (CaCO۳) composites was examined. Three distinct heating procedures were used. First, composites were cooled from their melting phase temperature to ambient temperature. Second, composites were cooled from ۱۳۰°C to a pre-determined and controlled temperature (T: ۰°, ۲۰°, ۳۰°, ۴۰°, ۵۰°, ۶۰°, ۷۰°, ۸۰°C). Third, composites were temperature-tested using annealing. The findings suggest that the elongation-at-break and impact strength may be improved following an initial quenching process from the melting phase to ambient temperature. On the other hand, a second quenching process at ۰°C produces superior results, and a correlation between mechanical and thermal characteristics is noted; however, while these qualities are increased, others, such as flexibility, density, Vicat softening temperature (VST), and heat distortion temperature (HDT) are negatively impacted.

Keywords:

heat treatment , Polypropylene , CaCO۳ , thermal properties