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Effect of nanoclay and ZnO on the physical and chemical properties of wood polymer nanocomposite
Author(s) -
Deka Biplab K.,
Maji Tarun K.
Publication year - 2011
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.35314
Subject(s) - materials science , nanocomposite , polyethylene , composite material , polymer , thermal stability , scanning electron microscope , glycidyl methacrylate , absorption of water , polypropylene , wood flour , composite number , vinyl chloride , chemical engineering , polymerization , copolymer , engineering
Wood polymer composite (WPC) was prepared by using solution blended high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, and poly(vinyl chloride) with Phragmites karka wood flour and polyethylene‐ co ‐glycidyl methacrylate (PE‐ co ‐GMA). The effect of addition of nanoclay and ZnO on the properties of the composite was examined. The distribution of silicate layers and ZnO nanopowder was studied by X‐ray diffractrometry and transmission electron microscopy. The improvement in miscibility among polymers due to addition of PE‐ co ‐GMA as compatibilizer was studied by scanning electron microscopy. WPC treated with 3 phr each of clay and ZnO showed an improvement in thermal stability and UV resistance. Mechanical and flame retarding properties were also enhanced after the incorporation of clay/ZnO nanopowder. Both water and water vapor absorption were found to decrease due to inclusion of nanoclay and ZnO in WPC. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012