Research Article Open Access

Influence of Cu Micro Particles on Mechanical Properties of Injection Molded Polypropylene/Cu Composites

Abstract

Copper reinforced polymer matrix composites are widely studied for the applications in electrostatic dissipation (ESD) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. Mechanicalpropertiesof copper powder filled polypropylene composites are investigated experimentally.Filler content varies in between 0–40% by weight andare blended by mechanical mixing under dry conditions for 4 hours at 60 rpm and processed by injection molding at 215°C and 150 bars. Optical microscopy showed uniform dispersion of Cu particles at lower composition whereas agglomerates were observed in the composites at higher Cu loading. Mechanical properties of the injection molded samples were studied systematically. As compared to pure PP, density and micro hardnessof composites increases with Cu addition by 35%. Impact energy and impact strength were increased by almost 50%. This was attributed to the better and uniform dispersion of the Cu particles in the matrix. The tensile strength and % elongation were found to decrease with increasing Cu content in the matrix, as the Cu act as stress arising points under deformation as compared to pure PP.

M. A. Kori, M. G. Kulthe, R. K. Goyal

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