Mechanical characterization of polypropylene–wood flour composites

作者：Adrián J. Nuñez, Pablo C. Sturm, Josè Maria Kenny, Mirta I. Aranguren, Norma E. Marcovich, María M. Reboredo · 发表于：Journal of Applied Polymer Science · 年份：2003 · DOI：10.1002/app.11738 · 被引用次数：155 · 研究领域：Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites、Polymer crystallization and properties、Polymer Nanocomposites and Properties

Abstract The mechanical performance of different wood flour/polypropylene (PP) composites with interface modifications was compared. Wood flour was incorporated into the matrix after esterification with maleic anhydride (MAN) or without any modification but with the addition of a compatibilizing agent [maleic anhydride–polypropylene copolymer (PPMAN)] to modify the polymer–filler interaction. Composites were prepared by injection molding with different concentrations of wood flour. Mechanical properties (except Young's modulus) were not improved either by the wood flour chemical modification or by the use of PPMAN. However, both compatibilization methods were successful in improving the dispersion of the wood flour in the PP matrix. Creep behavior of composite samples was improved by the addition of PPMAN, whereas the composites prepared from MAN‐treated wood flour showed larger deformations than composites made with untreated particles. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 1420–1428, 2003