Quasistatic to Dynamic Behavior of Particulate Composites for Different Temperatures

In automotive industry, polypropylene based composites are generally used in the manufacturing of car bumpers. In such a case, a detailed study of high strain rate and temperature sensitivities of polypropylene based composites is essential since the bumpers undergo compressive impact loading in a wide range of temperatures. The considered fillers consisted of ethylene octane copolymer and talc. The investigated filler content was 0, 10. and 20 wt. The dynamic behavior was investigated by using split Hopkinson pressure bars, at different strain rates and temperatures. We found that neat polypropylene and polypropylene talc composites were brittle at low temperatures. The addition of ethylene octane copolymer inclusions improved the impact resistance of materials. The dynamic properties are correlated with the morphological investigations of the studied composites by means of the optical microscopy. Finally, we also identify the effect of soft and rigid fillers in the quasi static to dynamic transition.