The characterization of the fracture toughness of polyolefin composites filled with inorganic particles is commonly solved by means of standardized testing procedures based wherther on the Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) and the Elastic-Plastic Fracture Mechanics approaches. Fracture parameters as Kc, Gc and Jc are obtained and managed as "material" parameters in plain strain conditions. Nevertheless, particulate polyolefin composites are often in form of film or sheet, making difficult to achieve the specimen size criteria for fracture toughness characterization under plain strain conditions. In such cases, the concept os Essential Work of Fracture (EWF) is nowadays being increasingly applied and considered as a reliable way of fracture toughness determination for this kind of composites. The EWF has traditionally been used for fracture characterization of metals and ductile polymers under plain stress conditions, and most recently applied to ductile particulate composites. In the present chapter, the application of the EWF testing method to the particulate polyolefin composites is reviewed analyzed with regard to the variables of the testing method and the composite characteristics, such as the polyolefin nature and its ductility , the reinforcing particle characteristics and concentration, and the interfacial adhesion level, among others.

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