Effects of processing variables on the mechanical properties of compression molded polystyrene-wood fiber composites |
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| Authors: | Sy Trek Sean Bernard Sanschagrin Bohuslav V Kokta Debesh Maldas |
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| Affiliation: | Biophysics Laboratory, Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Madras 600 020, India |
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| Abstract: | Optimization of mixing and molding conditions (e.g. temperature, time and pressure) of aspen chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP)-polystyrene composites was carried out. Compounding conditions showed a substantial effect on the mechanical properties of the composites. The effect of fiber encapsulation with polystyrene on the mechanical properties of the composites was also evaluated. Compared to non-encapsulated ones, the mechanical properties of composites showed superior results when encapsulated CTMP fibers were used. After encapsulation of wood fibers, and optimization of mixing and molding conditions, composites with up to 36% of fiber volume fraction could be incorporated in polystyrene with improved mechanical properties. |
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