The effects of filler size on the properties of thermoplastic polyolefin blends

The effects of filler size on the properties of a thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) blend were examined by using wollastonite and talc with particle sizes ranging from 1.2 to 40 μm. While addition of filler produced significant changes in the mechanical properties of the blend, filler size affected only impact strength. However, filler size, filler coating, and injection speed had a major effect on the surface properties of the blend. Faster injection produced denser “shear zone layers” which exhibited better scratch resistance and poorer paint adhesion than those obtained with slower injection. Scartch resistance and paint adhesion also decreased with increasing filler particle size. Filler coatings altered the scratch and adhesion properties of the polypropylene (PP) blends.