Effects of Compatibilizers on Mechanical Properties of Long Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene

Long glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene was prepared with the self-designed impregnation device. Main properties (like mechanical properties), average fiber length, fiber orientation, and morphology of LFPP with three different compatibilizers including octane-ethylene copolymer, maleic anhydride grafted octane-ethylene copolymer. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene were investigated on injection molding bars. Results showed that the addition of POE led to decrease in tensile strength. PP-g-MAH and POE-g-MAH improved the adhesion between glass fiber and polypropylene. These compatibilizers could increase the average fiber length and weaken the dispersion of glass fiber in matrix. It was also observed from scanning electron microscope that these compatibilizers had different adhesion effects which were evaluated as follows: PP-g-MAH > POE-g-MAH > POE.