Abstract
The mechanical properties of thermoplastic olefin (TPO) composites with rubber content ranged from 17 to 23 wt% and talc content ranged from 19.5 to 25.5 wt% have been investigated at different strain rates and temperatures. Tensile tests were conducted at temperature of −30, 23, and 80°C, respectively, and strain rate from 10−3 to 10−1/s, respectively. The results showed that that the mechanical properties were modified significantly with the addition of rubber and talc, strain rate and temperature. The necking process of the TPO was rate dependent. At low strain rate, the deformation was close to the isothermal drawing.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This project is sponsored by Research and Innovation Center of Ford Motor Company. We would like to thank Dr. Deborah F. Mielewski and Mr. Tony Godlewski of Ford Motor Company for technical assistance. We are also grateful to Dr. Michael Dammann and Dr. Todd Glogovsky of LyondellBasell Corp. USA for supplying the material used in the study.