Effect of process parameters on fracture toughness of PP/EPDM/nanoclay nanocomposite fabricated by novel method of heat assisted Friction stir processing

Abstract

Thermoplastic elastomeric nanocomposites due to their excellent mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties have a wide application in airplane, shipbuilding, and automotive industries and medical apparatus. Friction stir processing (FSP) is a novel technique for the fabrication of composites, nanocomposites and microstructural modifications. In this paper, polypropylene/ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (PP/EPDM) nanocomposite with 5 wt% nanoclay are fabricated by FSP to determine the effect of process parameters such as tool rotational speed, traverse speed, shoulder temperature, and number of passes on total work of fracture of this nanocomposite. Response surface methodology (RSM) and Box-Behnken design were used to develop a mathematical model relating the process parameters to the total work of fracture. The results show that the total work of fracture increased with increasing the rotational speed and number of passes and decreasing the shoulder temperature. A maximum total work of fracture of 50.3 N/mm was obtained at traverse speed of 42 mm/min when other parameters were at their center level. The maximum total work of fracture of 61.8 N/mm is achieved at rotational speed of 1,200 rpm, traverse speed of 40 mm/min, shoulder temperature of 1008C, and number of passes of 3. POLYM.

An experimental study on multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite piezoresistivity considering the filler agglomeration effects

“…There are some works that have investigated the effects of these parameters on the dispersion state of the fillers in the polymer matrix. [28,29] Sui et al [28] investigated the filler dispersion state of MWCNT-TPU composite in different processing conditions via melt mixing and solution mixing methods. They showed that the solution method leads to a better dispersion at relatively low content of the filler (<2.5 wt%).…”

“…There are some works that have investigated the effects of these parameters on the dispersion state of the fillers in the polymer matrix. [ 28,29 ]…”

Study of morphology and mechanical properties of PP/EPDM/clay nanocomposites prepared using twin‐screw extruder and friction stir process

“…The fracture toughness of tough polymer nanocomposite was studied with essential work of fracture method . Khodabandelou et al and Mostafapour et al conducted experiments on PP/EPDM blend with carbon nanotube and nanoclay particles, respectively. They concluded that main fracture mechanism in un‐vulcanized samples was the formation of dilatation and compatibilized blends increased the fracture toughness significantly.…”

Polypropylene/ethylene propylene diene monomer/cellulose nanocrystal ternary blend nanocomposites: Effects of different parameters on mechanical, rheological, and thermal properties

“…They found that both CB and CNT increased mechanical properties of PP/EPDM, while dispersion was the main factor rather than weight fraction. Khodabandelou et al, [36] and Mostafapour et al, [23] used CNT and NC, respectively, to investigate fracture mechanisms of PP/EPDM/nanofiller nanocomposites. The main fracture mechanism in the unvulcanized samples proved to be formation of dilatation.…”

“…[14][15][16] Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is one of the most effective tougheners for PP. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Toughness of PP/EPDM can be increased more by vulcanization process. [24,25] Despite unique properties provided by EPDM rubber phase, it reduces PP stiffness.…”