Average mixing torque,tensile and impact properties,and thermal stability of poly(vinyl chloride)/sawdust composites with different silane coupling agents

Unique explanations are given to describe changes in the mixing torque and tensile and impact properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/wood sawdust composites affected by various types and concentrations of silane coupling agents. Concentrations of 0.5–1.0 and 1.5 wt % coupling agent are recommended for the optimization of the tensile and impact properties of the composites, respectively. Changes in the tensile and impact properties of the composites with a low sawdust content were more sensitive to the addition of silane coupling agents than those with a high sawdust content. KBM603 was suitable for improving the tensile properties, whereas KBE603 is recommended for high impact resistance of the composites. The differences in the mechanical and thermal properties of the PVC/sawdust composites were dependent on the characteristics of the functional groups in the silane coupling agents used, such as hydrophilic level, number of functional groups, self‐condensation reaction, and effectiveness of the hydrolysis reaction. Silane coupling agents above 1.0 wt % resulted in an increase in polyene sequences in the PVC structure. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 213–221, 2005