Fracture behaviour of polypropylene sheets filled with epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)-treated coal gangue powder

The morphology, deformation and fracture properties of polypropylene sheets filled with untreated and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR)-treated coal gangue powder (CGP) were investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the essential work of fracture (EWF) method. The results show that ENR obviously improves the dispersion of CGP particles in the PP matrix and the interfacial adhesion between CGP particles and PP matrix with the well-established interfacial layer. It is found that all composites fracture in a ductile manner as ligament yields completely and crack propagates steadily. The fracture toughness (we) of the composites is significantly improved with the complete interfacial layer formed by ENR on the surface of CGP particles. With increasing ENR content, the specific plastic work (wp) per volume unit of plastic zone of the composites increases considerably in spite of the restricted plastic deformation of plastic zones. In Addition, the fracture parameters of different stages of tensile process demonstrate that the positive effect of ENR on the fracture performance of the composites is mainly achieved by notably reinforcing crack resistance at the stage of necking-tearing after yielding.