Chemical modification of wood fiber on the properties of Polypropylene/Wood fiber composites

Abstract

The surface of wood fiber used as reinforcement in polypropylene/wood fiber composites was modified by acrylic acid. The effect of filler loading and acrylic acid as compatibilizer on mechanical properties, water absorption and morphology was investigated. The composites were prepared by using Z-blade mixer at processing temperature 180°C and rotor speed 50 rpm. The result indicated that the increasing of filler loading increased Young’s modulus and water absorption but reduces the tensile strength and elongation at break. The presence of acrylic acid indicates tensile strength and Young’s modulus are increase but the elongation at break is decreased. The swelling behavior of treated PP/wood fiber composite shows better water resistance compared to untreated PP/wood fiber composites. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrograph of fracture tensile surface shows that the treated PP/wood fiber composites show better filler dispersion in matrix and embedded fiber into the matrix compared to untreated PP/wood fiber composites. The addition of acrylic acid as compatibilizer can improve the interfacial adhesion between matrix and filler, and this attribute enhance the properties of PP/wood fiber composites.