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This paper focuses on the mechanical behaviour of PP/MWCNT composites. The Young’s modulus and the rupture strain versus nanotubes content are investigated. Four grades are made: 1 wt%, 2 wt%, 4 wt%, 8 wt%. The achievement of the tensile test samples require three phases: the mixing stage, the identification of the rheological behaviour stage and the injection molding stage. In the mixing stage, one must be careful that there’s a good dispersion of the MWCNT in the polymer matrix. The rheological behaviour of the PP/MWCNT composite show that the useful injection molding parameters of the neat PP can be reinvestigated for the PP/MWCNT composites. Results of the mechanical experiments clearly show a high dependence of the Young’s modulus and the rupture strain with the CNT content.

Power applications generate high stresses which can damage piezoceramic components. In this study tensile fracture of several types of PZT (hard/soft) is investigated. After validation of the specimen geometry by means of numerical simulation, samples are led to failure using a specific device. Weibull law parameters enable the characterisation of the tensile strength distribution and highlight clear differences between soft and hard ceramics. A fractographic approach emphasises the specificities of the fracture mode and the fracture origin for each type of samples.