Hybridization Effect of Kaolin and Calcium Carbonate on Tensile and Thermal Properties of Compatibilized Polypropylene Composites

In this study, effect of combination between two fillers, Kaolin and Calcium Carbonate into Polypropylene (PP) composites was investigated. Hybrid thermoplastic composites from Kaolin and Calcium Carbonate were manufactured via melt mixing process involving Brabender internal mixer. Polypropylene grafted Maleic Anhydride (PP-g-MA) was also blend together with Polypropylene and both fillers during melt mixing. Single filler system composites were also introduced in this study in order to have comparison with hybrid filler system composites. Tensile, morphological and thermal properties of hybrid composites were discovered by Instron 5569 tensile testing machine, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Tensile test shows that additional of two fillers, kaolin and calcium carbonate could increase the strength and modulus of PP matrix. Calcium carbonate gives better strength and modulus for PP matrix compared to kaolin. However, the usage of calcium carbonate and kaolin deteriorate the elongation at break of PP matrix. The usage of two different fillers also embellish PP matrix by improve the thermal stability of the composites.