Mechanical properties of nickel‐powder–filled polypropylene composites

Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural properties as well as impact behavior of nickel‐powder–filled isotactic polypropylene composites were investigated in the composite composition range 0–3.5 volume % Ni. Tensile modulus, strength, and elongation‐at‐break decreased with increase in Ni content, which is attributed to the introduction of discontinuity in the structure. Analysis of tensile strength data indicated the introduction of stress concentration consequent upon addition of Ni into polypropylene. Izod impact strength at first increased up to a critical Ni content beyond which the value decreased inappreciably while flexural modulus and strength increased with filler concentration.