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Mechanical characterization of polypropylene–wood flour composites
Author(s) -
Nuñez Adrián J.,
Sturm Pablo C.,
Kenny José M.,
Aranguren M. I.,
Marcovich Norma E.,
Reboredo María M.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.11738
Subject(s) - wood flour , polypropylene , composite material , materials science , compatibilization , maleic anhydride , composite number , wood plastic composite , molding (decorative) , filler (materials) , compression molding , izod impact strength test , copolymer , polymer , polymer blend , ultimate tensile strength , mold
The mechanical performance of different wood flour/polypropylene (PP) composites with interface modifications was compared. Wood flour was incorporated into the matrix after esterification with maleic anhydride (MAN) or without any modification but with the addition of a compatibilizing agent [maleic anhydride–polypropylene copolymer (PPMAN)] to modify the polymer–filler interaction. Composites were prepared by injection molding with different concentrations of wood flour. Mechanical properties (except Young's modulus) were not improved either by the wood flour chemical modification or by the use of PPMAN. However, both compatibilization methods were successful in improving the dispersion of the wood flour in the PP matrix. Creep behavior of composite samples was improved by the addition of PPMAN, whereas the composites prepared from MAN‐treated wood flour showed larger deformations than composites made with untreated particles. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1420–1428, 2003