Comparison of the Effects of Two Coupling Approaches on the Mechanical Properties of Talc-filled Polypropylene

Since in a highly filled polymer, a major problem arises from non-uniformity of properties due to the poor dispersion of filler, the application of coupling agents have been directed toovercome this problem and also to enhance the mechanical performance of the composites by improving the adhesion atthe interface [1]. In this study, a comparison between two major coupling approaches is conducted: 1) Using PPgMA as a kind of compatibilizer which changes the nature of thematrix, 2) Using titanate coupling agent which takes action at the interface and reacts with hydroxyl groups at the inorganicfiller surface, resulting in the formation of monomolecular layer on the inorganic surface to increase compatibility offiller/matrix interface [1, 2]. The comparison is done based on the mechanical properties of the composites