Performance of polypropylene–wood fiber composites

• Published in: Polymer testing Vol. 18; no. 8; pp. 581 - 587
• Main Authors: Coutinho, Fernanda M.B, Costa, Thais H.S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-12-1999; Elsevier
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Thermoplastics; Wood fiber; Propylene polymer; Fiber reinforced material; Mechanical properties; Organic silane; Tensile property; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Composite material; Thermal stability; Surface treatment; Bending strength; Natural fiber
• ISSN: 0142-9418; 1873-2348
• DOI: 10.1016/S0142-9418(98)00056-7

Polypropylene–wood fiber composites were prepared in the optimal mixture conditions determined in a previous work (180°C, 60rpm, 10min). Tensile, impact and three-point bending tests were performed in order to evaluate the adhesion between matrix and wood fibers. Other than mixture conditions, drying temperature of treated wood fiber is also an important factor to obtain good performance composites as shown in this work. Tensile properties of composites submitted to two extreme conditions (immersion in water at ambient temperature for 90days and immersion in boiling water for 1h) were determined. Heat deflection temperature and thermal analysis of composites were evaluated.