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Physical properties of polyethylene–wood fiber–clay nanocomposites
Author(s) -
Sheshmani Shabnam,
Ashori Alireza,
Hamzeh Yahya
Publication year - 2010
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.32623
Subject(s) - nanocomposite , materials science , composite material , polyethylene , absorption of water , montmorillonite , compression molding , maleic anhydride , composite number , polymer , copolymer , mold
In this study, nanocomposites based on polyethylene (PE), maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE), recycled newsprint fibers, and organically modified montmorillonite (nanoclay) were made by injection molding. The effects of two variable factors, namely, the nanoclay and MAPE contents, on the composite physical properties were examined. All blends were made with a fiber‐to‐PE weight ratio of 30 : 70. The results show that the addition of MAPE and nanoclay in the nanocomposite formulation significantly improved both the stability and water absorption properties. The improving effect of MAPE could be explained by the improvement in the quality of adhesion between the polymer and fibers. Nanocomposites containing 5 wt % MAPE and nanoclay exhibited minimum water absorption during the whole duration of immersion. The results of this research study show that wood–plastic composites treated with a coupling agent and nanoclay will be desirable as building materials for outdoor applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010