Abstract
The article describes the mechanical properties of a propylene–ethylene block copolymer (Co-PP) used as a matrix with acrylic acid (AA) and strengthened with glass fiber. Isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) is also used as a matrix to compare with the results obtained from the Co-PP grafting. Experimental results indicate that AA grafting improves the interfacial adhesion between the matrices and glass fiber. AA grafting also enhances the mechanical properties of glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene (FRPP). A quantitative titration is performed to analyze the grafting ratio and grafting efficiency. In addition, the specimens are injection-molded to investigate the mechanical properties and morphologies. In addition, the effects on the matrix structure, attributed to the grafting and blending of the glass fiber, are also investigated. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 68: 977–988, 1998
