Thermal and mechanical properties of sorbitol‐based epoxy resin cured with quercetin and the biocomposites with wood flour

After a bio‐based epoxy resin, sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SPE) was mixed with a flavonoid, quercetin (QC) in tetrahydrofuran at an optimized epoxy/hydroxy ratio 1/1.2, the obtained SPE/QC solution was mixed with wood flour (WF), prepolymerized at 150°C, and subsequently compressed at 170°C for 3 h to give SPE‐QC/WF biocomposites (WF content:0, 20, 30, 40 wt %). The tan δ peak temperature of SPE‐QC without WF (85.5°C) was higher than that of SPE cured with conventional phenol novolac (81.0°C). In addition, diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A cured with QC had a higher tan δ peak temperature (145.1°C) than that cured with PN (90.8°C). The tan δ peak temperatures (106–113°C) of SPE‐QC/WF biocomposites were significantly higher than that of SPE‐QC. The tensile modulus of SPE‐QC/WF biocomposites increased with increasing WF content. A lower wavenumber shift of carbonyl stretching absorption peak in the FTIR spectrum of SPE‐QC/WF as compared with that of SPE‐QC suggested that hydroxy group of woody component forms hydrogen bonding with carbonyl group of quercetin moiety. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Preparation and properties of biocomposites composed of sorbitol‐based epoxy resin,pyrogallol–vanillin calixarene,and wood flour

The reaction of pyrogallol (PG) and vanillin (VN), both of which are derived from plant resources, in the presence of p‐toluenesulfonic acid gave PG–VN calixarene (PGVNC) mainly composed of guaiacyl pyrogallol[4]arene. After sorbitol polyglycidyl ether (SPE) was mixed with PGVNC in tetrahydrofuran at an optimized epoxy/hydroxy ratio 1/2.65, the obtained SPE/PGVNC solution was mixed with wood flour (WF), prepolymerized at 150°C, and subsequently compressed at 190°C for 3 h to give SPE–PGVNC/WF biocomposites with WF content 0–20 wt%. The tan δ peak temperature of SPE–PGVNC was 148.1°C, which was much higher than that of the SPE cured with petroleum‐based phenol novolac (SPE–PN) at an optimized epoxy/hydroxy ratio 1/1. Although tan δ peak temperature slightly decreased with increasing WF content, the storage moduli of the SPE–PGVNC/WF biocomposites in the rubbery state at more than 150°C were much higher than those of SPE–PGVNC and SPE–PN. Also, the tensile modulus and strength for SPE–PGVNC/WF increased with increasing WF content. Field emission‐scanning electron microscopy analysis of the biocomposites revealed that WF is tightly incorporated into the crosslinked epoxy resins. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation and properties of biocomposites composed of glycerol‐based epoxy resins,tannic acid,and wood flour

After polyglycerol polyglycidyl ether (PGPE) and glycerol polyglycidyl ether (GPE) were mixed with tannic acid (TA) in ethanol and without solvent at epoxy/hydroxyl ratio 1/1, the obtained GPE‐TA and PGPE‐TA solutions were mixed with wood flour (WF), prepolymerized at 50°C, and subsequently compressed at 160°C for 3 h to give GPE‐TA/WF and PGPE‐TA/WF biocomposites with WF content 50–70 wt %, respectively. The storage moduli of the biocomposites in the rubbery state at more than 80°C were much higher than that of the control cured resins. The PGPE‐TA/WF composites had higher tensile modulus and rather lower tensile strength than PGPE‐TA. On the other hand, both the tensile modulus and strength of GPE‐TA/WF were much higher than those of GPE‐TA (2.4 GPa and 37 MPa). Those values of GPE‐TA/WF increased with WF content, became maximal values (5.1 GPa and 51 MPa) at WF content 60 wt %, and were lowered at 70 wt %. FE‐SEM analysis of the fractured surface of the biocomposites revealed that WF is tightly incorporated into the crosslinked epoxy resins. As a result of optimization of the epoxy/hydroxyl molar ratio for GPE‐TA/WF composite with WF content 60 wt %, the composite prepared at the ratio of 1.0/0.8 showed the highest tensile modulus and strength. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

All‐wood biocomposites by partial dissolution of wood flour in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride

After cedar‐derived wood flour (WF) and bark flour (BF) were mixed with 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride (BMIC) at 100°C, the obtained compounds with BMIC content 40 wt % were compression‐molded at 210°C to give WF/BMIC and BF/BMIC composites, respectively. The BMIC contained in the composites was twice extracted with ethanol at 60°C to afford WF/BMIC‐E and BF/BMIC‐E biocomposites, which were subsequently annealed at 200°C for 24 h to produce WF/BMIC‐A and BF/BMIC‐A biocomposites. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic analysis revealed that WF has a higher content of cellulose and a lower content of lignin than BF does, and that the BMIC content diminished by the extraction process. The scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that woody particles joined together by the compression molding of WF/BMIC and BF/BMIC compounds, and that the extraction of BMIC roughened the surface and the annealing again smoothed the surface due to the fusion of the residual BMIC and woody particles. The XRD measurements indicated that the annealing enhanced the crystallinity of cellulose component. The tensile properties and 5% weight loss temperature of the biocomposites were considerably improved by the extraction of BMIC and further by the annealing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Biodegradability and mechanical properties of agro‐flour–filled polybutylene succinate biocomposites

The objective of this study was the production of rice husk flour (RHF) and wood flour (WF) filled polybutylene succinate (PBS) biocomposites as alternatives to cellulosic material filled conventional plastic (polyolefins) composites. PBS is one of the biodegradable polymers, made from the condensation reaction of 1,4‐butanediol and succinic acid that can be naturally degraded in the natural environment. We compared the mechanical properties between conventional plastics and agro‐flour–filled PBS biocomposites. We evaluated the biodegradability and mechanical properties of agro‐flour–filled PBS biocomposites according to the content and filler particle size of agro‐flour. As the agro‐flour loading was increased, the tensile and impact strength of the biocomposites decreased. As the filler particle size decreased, the tensile strength of the biocomposites increased but the impact strength decreased. The addition of agro‐flour to PBS produced a more rapid decrease in the tensile strength, notched Izod impact strength, and percentage weight loss of the biocomposites during the natural soil burial test. These results support the application of biocomposites as environmentally friendly materials. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 1513–1521, 2005     

Physicomechanical and thermal properties of moldings made from liquefied wood‐based novolak PF resins under various hot‐pressing conditions

The wood powder of Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar) was liquefied in phenol, with H₂SO₄ and HCl as a catalyst. The liquefied wood was used to prepare the liquefied wood‐based novolak phenol formaldehyde (PF) resins by reacting with formalin. Furthermore, novolak PF resins were mixed with wood flour, hexamethylenetetramine, zinc stearate as filler, curing agent, and lubricating agent, respectively, and hot‐pressed under 180 or 200°C for 5 or 10 min to manufacture moldings. The results showed that physicomechanical properties of moldings were influenced by the hot‐pressing condition. The molding made with hot‐pressing temperature of 200°C for 10 min had a higher curing degree, dimensional stability, and internal bonding strength. The thermal analysis indicated that using a hot‐pressing temperature of 180°C was not sufficient for the liquefied wood‐based novolak PF resins to completely cure. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Reinforcement on the mechanical‐, thermal‐, and water‐resistance properties of the wood flour/chitosan/poly(vinyl chloride) composites by physical and chemical modification

In this study, we aimed to physically and chemically modify wood flour (WF)/chitosan (CS) mixtures to reinforce the mechanical‐, thermal‐, and water‐resistance properties of WF/CS/poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites with a three‐step modification process. This was a vacuum‐pressure treatment of sodium montmorillonite, inner intercalation replacement of organically modified montmorillonite, and surface grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). The untreated and modified mixtures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and contact angle measurement. Meanwhile, the mechanical strengths and water absorption of WF/CS/PVC were estimated. The results indicate that the samples had a better performance after they were modified by montmorillonite (MMT) + GMA than when they were modified by only MMT. MMT and GMA showed a very synergistic enhancement to the mechanical‐, thermal‐, and water‐resistance properties of the WF/CS/PVC composites. Specifically, the maximum flexural and tensile strengths were increased by 10.59 and 12.28%, respectively. The maximum water absorption rate was decreased by 61.99%, and the maximum degradation temperature was delayed to the higher value from 314.3 and 374.9°C in the untreated sample to 388.8 and 412.8°C. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40757.     

Wood‐thermoplastic composites from wood flour and high‐density polyethylene

High‐density polyethylene/wood flour (HDPE/WF) composites were prepared by a twin‐screw extruder. The effects of WF, silane coupling agents, polymer compatibilizers, and their content on the comprehensive properties of the WF/HDPE composites have been studied in detail, including the mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties and microstructure. The results showed that both silane coupling agents and polymer compatibilizers could improve the interfacial adhesion between WF and HDPE, and further improve the properties of WF/HDPE composites, especially with AX8900 as a compatibilizer giving higher impact strength, and with HDPE‐g‐MAH as a compatibilizer giving the best tensile and flexural properties. The resultant composite has higher strength (tensile strength = 51.03 MPa) and better heat deflection temperature (63.1°C). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Ethylene Butyl Acrylate Glycidyl Methacrylate Terpolymer as an Interfacial Agent for Isotactic Poly(propylene)/Wood Flour Composites

Summary: This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation concerning the use of an ethylene butyl acrylate and glycidyl methacrylate (EBAGMA) terpolymer as an interfacial agent for isotactic poly(propylene)/wood flour (iPP/WF) composites at various filler ratios (10, 20 and 30 wt.‐%). The effects of the EBAGMA terpolymer on the morphology, tensile properties, impact strength and water uptake of the iPP/WF composites were studied and the results were compared with those obtained with maleated poly(propylene) (MAPP) used as a compatibilizer. Initially, the mixing process was performed in a calendaring unit at 170 °C for pre‐homogenization of the filler in the matrix. Composites made out of these combinations were then ground and injected into a standard mold at 180 °C in the absence and the presence of compatibilizer. The results indicated that both EBAGMA terpolymer and MAPP improved the interactions between iPP and WF, and induced a better dispersion of wood particles in the polymer matrix, as revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, tensile properties and impact strength were also increased. Another important effect was on the water absorption property, which was significantly lower for the samples with EBAGMA and MAPP. However, EBAGMA terpolymer produced better enhancement of the properties of the iPP/WF composites compared to the compatibilized samples with MAPP.

SEM micrographs of the fracture surface of iPP/WF composites (70/30 wt.‐%): (a) without compatibilizer; (b) with 10 pph EBAGMA; (c) with 10 pph MAPP. Magnification was ×500.     

Influence of ammonium polyphosphate modified with 3‐(methylacryloxyl) propyltrimethoxy silane on mechanical and thermal properties of wood flour–polypropylene composites

In this article, the influence of ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and ammonium polyphosphate modified with 3‐(Methylacryloxyl) propyltrimethoxy silane (M‐APP) on mechanical properties, flame retardancy, and thermal degradation of wood flour–polypropylene composites (WF/PP composites) have been investigated. Polypropylene grafted with m‐isopropenyl‐α,α‐dimethylbenzyl‐isocyanate (m‐TMI‐g‐PP) was used to improve the adhesion of WF/PP composites. APP and M‐APP were used as flame retardants. The experimental results demonstrated that addition of M‐APP obviously enhanced mechanical properties of WF/PP composites. According to cone calorimetry results, M‐APP is also an effective flame retardant for WF/PP composites, compared to that of APP. It was also found that M‐APP decreased the 1% weight loss temperature and increased char residue. The thermal degradation of wood flour based upon the first peak temperature of wood decreased from 329.3 to 322.9°C and the thermal degradation of PP based upon the second peak temperature of PP improve from 518.0 to 519.6°C, when M‐APP was added to the WF/PP composites. From SEM results the char layer of the 25% M‐APP systems is much more intumescent than that of the 25% APP systems, indicating that 3‐(Methylacryloxyl) propyltrimethoxy silane can improve the char‐forming ability of WF/PP composites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Biocomposites composed of epoxidized soybean oil cured with terpene‐based acid anhydride and cellulose fibers

Epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) was cured with a terpene‐based acid anhydride (TPAn) at 150°C, and the thermal and mechanical properties of the cured product were compared with ESO cured with hexahydrophthalic anhydride (HPAn), maleinated linseed oil (LOAn), or thermally latent cationic polymerization catalyst (CPI). The ESO‐TPAn showed a higher glass transition temperature (67.2°C) measured by dynamic mechanical analysis than ESO‐HPAn (59.0°C), ESO‐LOAn (?41.0°C), and ESO‐CPI (10.0°C). The storage modulus at 20°C of ESO‐TPAn was higher than those of ESO‐LOAn and ESO‐CPI. Also, ESO‐TPAn showed higher tensile strength and modulus than the other cured ESOs. Regarding the biodegradability measured by biochemical oxygen demand in an activated sludge, ESO‐TPAn possessed some biodegradability, which was lower than that of ESO‐LOAn. Next, biocomposites composed of ESO‐TPAn and regenerated cellulose (lyocell) fabric were prepared by compression molding method. The tensile strength of ESO‐TPAn/lyocell composites increased with increasing fiber content. The tensile strength and modulus of ESO‐TPAn/lyocell composite with fiber content 75 wt % were 65 MPa and 2.3 GPa, which were three times higher than those of ESO‐TPAn. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Preparation and properties of biocomposites composed of epoxidized soybean oil,tannic acid,and microfibrillated cellulose

As a new biobased epoxy resin system, epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) was cured with tannic acid (TA) under various conditions. When the curing conditions were optimized for the improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties, the most balanced properties were obtained when the system was cured at 210°C for 2 h at an epoxy/hydroxyl ratio of 1.0/1.4. The tensile strength and modulus and tan δ peak temperature measured by dynamic mechanical analysis for the ESO–TA cured under the optimized condition were 15.1 MPa, 458 MPa, and 58°C, respectively. Next, we prepared biocomposites of ESO, TA, and microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) with MFC contents from 5 to 11 wt % by mixing an ethanol solution of ESO and TA with MFC and subsequently drying and curing the composites under the optimized conditions. The ESO–TA–MFC composites showed the highest tan δ peak temperature (61°C) and tensile strength (26.3 MPa) at an MFC content of 9 wt %. The tensile modulus of the composites increased with increasing MFC content and reached 1.33 GPa at an MFC content of 11 wt %. Scanning electron microscopy observation revealed that MFC was homogeneously distributed in the matrix for the composite with an MFC content of 9 wt %, whereas some aggregated MFC was observed in the composite with 11 wt % MFC. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Resistance of paper mill sludge/wood fiber/high‐density polyethylene composites to water immersion and thermotreatment

The disposal of paper mill sludge (PMS) is a difficult environmental problem. Thus, PMS has been used as a substitute for wood fiber (WF) to reinforce high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). In this study, we compared PMS–WF–HDPE composites with composites without PMS after water immersion and thermal treatment. Water immersion and thermal treatment were conducted at 25 and 70°C, respectively. The results show that the composites with PMS absorbed less water but lost more of their original flexural properties after immersion; thereby, their strength was compromised. These reduced mechanical properties could be partially restored after redrying. After the thermotreatment, the composites with added PMS lost their weight and flexural properties, whereas the composites without PMS gained flexural strength. The results show that the thermotreatment improved the impact strength of the composites when no more than one‐third of WF was replaced with PMS. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray energy‐dispersive spectroscopy showed that the wood index of the PMS composite decreased more than the index of the non‐PMS composite, whereas the carbonyl index increased more. However, the PMS composite showed a lower increase in the total oxygen/carbon weight ratio. This study suggested that limited amounts of WF could be substituted with PMS to reinforce HDPE. However, WF–PMS–HDPE composites should not be used in hot, humid environments for long periods. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41655.     

Influence of thermoplastic elastomers on adhesion in polyethylene–wood flour composites

The mechanical properties of recycled low-density polyethylene/wood flour (LDPE/WF) composites are improved when a maleated triblock copolymer styrene–ethylene/butylene–styrene (SEBS–MA) is added as a compatibilizer. The composites' tensile strength reached a maximum level with 4 wt % SEBS–MA content. The compatibilizer had a positive effect on the impact strength and elongation at break but decreased the composites' stiffness. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), a lap shear adhesion test, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to investigate the nature of the interfacial adhesion between the WF/SEBS and between the WF/SEBS–MA. Tan δ peak temperatures for the various combinations showed interaction between the ethylene/butylene (EB) part of the copolymer and the wood flour in the maleated system. The shear lap test showed that adhesion between the wood and SEBS–MA is better than between the wood and SEBS. The electron microscopy study of the fracture surfaces confirmed good adhesion between the wood particles and the LDPE/SEBS–MA matrix. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 68: 1845–1855, 1998     

Rice husk‐derived porous carbon/silica particles as green filler for electronic package application

Bio‐based porous carbon/silica particles (denoted as RH‐carbon/silica) were successfully prepared from agricultural waste rice husk by using acid‐hydrothermal treatment and pyrolysis under nitrogen condition. As green filler, the cure behavior, thermal‐mechanical properties, and thermal conductivity of the epoxy‐carbon/silica biocomposites at different filler contents (5, 9, 17, 29 wt %) were characterized. Because of superior surface properties (surface area, porosity, and silica segment) and high content of carbon component in the RH‐carbon/silica, the characteristics of the biocomposites were significantly improved with the increase of the filler content. At 29 wt % of filler content, the epoxy biocomposites exhibit lower curing temperature (148 °C), lower CTE (42 ppm/°C), higher T_g (123 °C), higher storage modulus (4059 MPa), and higher effective thermal conductivity (0.29 W/mK). In brief, the RH‐carbon/silica particles that can serve not only as reinforcing agent but also as thermal transport medium used in epoxy composite, is a green and high‐performance filler for this purpose. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44699.     

Glass fiber/wood flour modified high density polyethylene composites

Composites of high density polyethylene (HDPE) with the reinforcements of glass fiber (GF) and wood flour (WF) have been studied in this work. High‐density polyethylene‐grafted maleic hydride (HDPE‐g‐MAH) was used as a compatibilizer. In particular, the effect of GF, WF, and HDPE‐g‐MAH on the overall properties of GF/WF/HDPE composites (GWPCs in short form) was systematically studied. The results indicate that HDPE‐g‐MAH as a compatibilizer can effectively promote the interfacial adhesion between GF/WF and HDPE. By the incorporations of GF/WF, the heat deflection temperature can reach above 120°C, and the water absorption can be below 0.7%, also the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact strength of GWPCs can surpass 55.2 Mpa, 69.4 Mpa, and 11.1 KJ/m², respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Formulation‐properties versatility of wood fiber biocomposites based on polylactide and polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends

This article discusses the interrelation between formulation, processing, and properties of biocomposites composed of a bioplastic reinforced with wood fibers. Polylactide (PLA) and polylactide/thermoplastic starch blends (PLA/TPS) were used as polymeric matrices. Two grades of PLA, an amorphous and a semicrystalline one, were studied. TPS content in the PLA/TPS blends was set at 30, 50, and 70 wt%. Two types of wood fiber were selected, a hardwood (HW) and a softwood (SW), to investigate the effect of the fiber type on the biocomposite properties. Finally, the impact of different additives on biocomposite properties was studied with the purpose to enhance the bioplastic/wood fiber adhesion and, therefore, the final mechanical performance. The biocomposites containing 30 wt% of wood fibers were obtained by twin‐screw extrusion. The properties of the biocomposites are described in terms of morphology, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the biocomposites were tested for humidity and water absorption and biodegradability. An almost 100% increase in elastic modulus and 25% in tensile strength were observed for PLA/wood fiber biocomposite with the best compatibilization strategy used. The presence of the TPS in the biocomposites at 30 and 50 wt% maintained the tensile strength higher or at least equal as for the virgin PLA. These superior tensile results were due to the inherent affinity between the matrices and wood fibers improved by the addition of a combination of coupling and a branching agent. In addition to their outstanding mechanical performance, the biocomposites showed high biodegradation within 60 days. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1325–1340, 2014. © Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2013 ¹      

Preparation of cardanol–formaldehyde resins from cashew nut shell liquid for the reinforcement of natural rubber

Natural rubber was reinforced with a high loading of a cardanol–formaldehyde resin prepared from cashew nut shell liquid. Cardanol–formaldehyde resins, both resoles and novolaks, were synthesized from cardanol, which was extracted from cashew nut shells. This was done by the condensation polymerization of cardanol and formaldehyde in the presence of base and acid catalysts. The cardanol–formaldehyde resole with the highest yield (ca. 75%) was prepared with a formaldehyde/cardanol molar ratio of 2.0 at pH 8.0 and 90°C for 8 h. The cardanol–formaldehyde novolak with the highest yield (ca. 80%) was prepared with a formaldehyde/cardanol molar ratio of 0.8 at pH 2.2 and 100°C for 7 h. Fourier transform infrared and ¹³C‐NMR were employed to characterize the chemical structures of the obtained cardanol–formaldehyde resins. The resins were compatible with natural rubber in various formulations. The cured behaviors of natural rubber blended with the cardanol–formaldehyde resole and novolak resins were investigated. The cured behaviors of cardanol–formaldehyde resole and cardanol–formaldehyde novolak samples were different, reflecting differences in their chemical reactivities. Furthermore, the incorporation of cardanol–formaldehyde resins into natural rubber provided significant improvements in mechanical properties such as the hardness, tensile strength, modulus at 100 and 300% elongation, and abrasion resistance. However, the elongation at break and compression set of the blends decreased as expected. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1997–2002, 2007     

Effects of composition and temperature on extrudate characteristics,morphology, and tensile properties of acrylic rubber–blended PVC

Poly(vinyl chloride) was blended with acrylic rubber over a range of compositions (5–40 wt % of the rubber), using a twin‐screw extruder. Morphological properties of the blends were investigated as a function of rubber content and blending temperature, using a scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of the blends were determined by a tensile test. Smooth extrudates were obtained at the blending temperature of 155°C. At a higher blending temperature (195°C), greater die swell ratio and/or melt‐fractured extrudates were observed, depending on the rubber content. Miscible blends were obtained at low rubber contents (5–10 wt %). A dispersed particle morphology was observed from the extrudates containing the rubber content of 20–40 wt %, at 195°C. The ultimate tensile stress (UTS) and modulus of the blends decreased with the rubber content. The maximum tensile toughness was obtained for the blend with a rubber content of 20%, at a blending temperature of 155°C. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 2523–2534, 2001     

Effects of compatibilizers on the physico‐mechanical and foaming properties of polyproylene/wood‐fiber composites

Polypropylene (PP)/wood‐fiber (WF) composites were prepared by intermeshing co‐rotating twin screw extruder, and microcellular closed cell PP/WF composite foams were prepared by using pressure‐quenched batch process method. The effect of various compatibilizers on the mechanical properties, morphology, crystallinity, rheological properties, and foamability of PP/WF composites were investigated. The results showed that PP/WF composite with addition of PP‐g‐MA as compatibilizer had the highest tensile strength, stiffness, and crystallinity, after foaming, it showed highest relative density and cell density, as well as the smallest cell size. Higher crystallinity of PP/WF composites, showed higher stiffness and higher relative density. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:250–257, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers