Premium
Effect of processing method on surface and weathering characteristics of wood–flour/HDPE composites
Author(s) -
Stark Nicole M.,
Matuana Laurent M.,
Clemons Craig M.
Publication year - 2004
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.20529
Subject(s) - high density polyethylene , materials science , wood flour , composite material , flexural strength , wood plastic composite , weathering , gloss (optics) , young's modulus , flexural modulus , composite number , polyethylene , geomorphology , geology , coating
Wood–plastic lumber is promoted as a low‐maintenance high‐durability product. When exposed to accelerated weathering, however, wood–plastic composites may experience a color change and/or loss in mechanical properties. Different methods of manufacturing wood–plastic composites lead to different surface characteristics, which can influence weathering. In this study, 50% wood–flour‐filled high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composite samples were injection molded, extruded, or extruded and then planed, to remove the manufacturing surface characteristics. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to chemically show the difference in surface components. The samples were weathered in a xenon‐arc weathering apparatus for 1000, 2000, and 3000 h and analyzed for color fade and loss of flexural modulus of elasticity and strength. Final color (lightness) after weathering was not dependent on the manufacturing method. However, the manufacturing method was related to mechanical property loss caused by weathering. Composites with more wood component at the surface (i.e., planed samples) experienced a larger percentage of total loss in flexural modulus of elasticity and strength after weathering. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 93: 1021–1030, 2004