Abstract
Mechanical properties and failure phenomena of glass fiber reinforced polyolefin composites were studied. 1/4 double prime glass fibers and polyethylene or polypropylene were compounded through twin-screw extruder. The test specimens were made through injection molding. It was found that the mechanical properties and heat deflection temperature of glass fiber reinforced polyethylene (FRPE) and polypropylene (FRPP) increased with increasing fiber content. However, due to the low fiber volume content (less then 15%), the fiber breakage during processing and weak interfacial bonding caused a marginal effect of reinforcement. The failure morphologies of polyolefin composites were changed from ductile failure to brittle failure as the fiber volume content or strain rate increased. The strain rate also exhibited a similar effect on the tensile strengths of the matrix and the composite.