Improving the mechanical properties of polypropylene via melt vibration

The effect of melt vibration on the mechanical properties of polypropylene prepared by low-frequency vibration-assisted injection molding (VAIM) has been investigated. With the application of melt vibration technology, the mechanical properties of polypropylene are improved. The yield strength increases with the increment of the vibration frequency, and a peak stands at a special frequency for VAIM; the elongation at break decreases first and then increases with increasing vibration frequency, and a valley stands at a special frequency. The tensile properties increase sharply at an enlarged vibration pressure amplitude with sharply decreased elongation at break. The Young's modulus and impact strength also increase with the vibration frequency and pressure vibration amplitude. When it is prepared at 59.4 MPa and 0.7 Hz, the maximal yield strength is approximately 40 MPa versus 33.7 MPa for a conventional sample; an 18.7% increase in the tensile strength is produced. Self-reinforcing and self-toughening polypropylene molded parts have been found to be prepared at a high vibration frequency or at a large pressure vibration amplitude. Scanning electron micrographs have shown that, in the vibration field, the enhancement of the mechanical properties is attributable to more pronounced spherulite orientation and increased crystallinity in comparison with conventional injection moldings. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008