Effect of silica nanopowder on the properties of wood flour/polymer composite

Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (1:1:1:0.5) were solution blended by using a mixture of solvents consisting of xylene and tetrahydrofuran (THF) (70:30). SiO₂ nanoparticles were modified by cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Wood polymer composites (WPC) were prepared by using polymer mixture, polyethylene‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate (PE‐co‐GMA), wood flour, and modified SiO₂. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies showed that the intensity of the peaks of polymer mixture decreased due to incorporation of SiO₂. The dispersion of SiO₂ nanoparticles and morphological characteristics were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The interaction between SiO₂ nanoparticles, PE‐co‐GMA, polymer mixture, and wood was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Tensile and flexural properties of the composites improved significantly due to the incorporation of SiO₂ nanoparticles. Thermal stability, hardness, flame retardancy, and water resistance capacity were also found to enhance. Maximum improvement in properties was observed by the inclusion of 3 phr modified SiO₂ in WPC. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers