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Polypropylene/wood powder/ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber‐maleic anhydride composites: Effect of PP melt flow index on the thermal, mechanical, thermomechanical, water absorption, and morphological parameters
Author(s) -
Silva Barbosa Ferreira Eduardo,
Luna Carlos Bruno Barreto,
Araújo Edcleide Maria,
Siqueira Danilo Diniz,
Wellen Renate Maria Ramos
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.25841
Subject(s) - materials science , maleic anhydride , absorption of water , composite material , melt flow index , polypropylene , heat deflection temperature , vicat softening point , differential scanning calorimetry , flexural strength , izod impact strength test , composite number , ultimate tensile strength , thermogravimetry , natural rubber , softening point , chemical engineering , polymer , thermodynamics , physics , copolymer , engineering
Environmental damage promoted trough post‐consumer waste from the wood industry has worried the society, while its inadequate disposal has raised concerns of the scientific community. Environmentally and economically effective alternative is reusing this residue to produce smart composites. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the performance of polypropylene (PP)/Jatobá Wood Powder (WP) composites compatibilized with ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber‐maleic anhydride (EPDM‐MA). The effect of distinct melt flow index (MFI) (PP H103 and PP H503) was also investigated. The composites were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, impact, and Shore D hardness), heat deflection temperature, Vicat softening temperature, water absorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Addition of EPDM‐MA, increased impact strength. The best performance was observed for the composition with 10% EPDM‐MA and PP with lower MFI (PP H503). EPDM‐MA also decreased the water absorption for both PP, most due to the chemical interactions among composite phases. SEM images suggest encapsulation of wood particles by EPDM‐MA, promoting better composites performance. Reported results are valuable for the recycling industry, as well as are economically and environmentally promising.