Effect of electron beam irradiation on physico–mechanical properties of wood flour–polyethylene composites

Abstract

Agricultural lignocellulosic fiber (wood flour)-waste was used to prepare composite materials through partial replacement of wood flour with low density polyethylene powder (LDPE) ranged from 10 to 20% by weight; these composites were made with and without electron beam irradiation (EB). The results obtained showed that, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and impact strength increase with increasing content of LDPE up to 20%. While, the percentages of thickness swelling and water absorption are decreased directly with increasing content of LDPE. Furthermore, the EB irradiation improves the physico-mechanical properties of composite materials from 10 to 50 kGy. The results obtained are also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). POLYM. COMPOS.,

Mechanical and water absorption properties of sawdust—low density polyethylene nanocomposite

“…Increasing the irradiation dose enhanced the bending strength because increasing the irradiation dose can raise the chemical bond formation. Similar results were reported for polyethylene/wood flour composites 6. Behavior of the modulus of elasticity of the samples was similar to the bending strength.…”

“…Other investigators studied the effect of EB irradiation on molded composites with or without coupling agents 1, 3–5. The interfacial adhesions between wood filler and PE under irradiation process are significantly improved as a result of the formation of free radical molecules of the composite components 6…”

Recycled polypropylene/peanut shell powder (RPP/PSP) composites: Property comparison before and after electron beam irradiation

“…The flexibility and stiffness of irradiated composites was improved. Subsequently, leads to the enhancement of tensile modulus of irradiated composites .…”

“…EB irradiation tends to create active sites on both fillers and matrix, resulting in three dimensional network structures formation through free radical combination. Thus, improved its final properties .…”

“…Evidently, during the irradiation process or hot pressing, the OH groups in the amorphous phase of PSP may react with RPP molecules by hydrogen bonding. Thus, strong adhesion between the PSP and RPP produced and eventually reduced the water absorption percentages of the irradiated composite .…”