Effect of Variables on the Mechanical Properties and Maximization of Polyethylene—Aspen Composites by Statistical Experimental Design

Abstract

Systemic studies of the effects of the concentrations of maleated polyethylene (MAPE) loading, the content and addition sequence of dicumyl peroxide, the content and type of nanoclay (NC), and aspen fiber loading on the mechanical properties of PE-aspen composites were undertaken with the objective to increase the impact strength as well as the tensile properties. In this article, the formation of an optimal compatibilizing system for the hybrid composite PE-aspen-NC by combining basic principles for compatibilization was investigated. Statistical approach experimentation using Statgraphics Centurion Õ with the objective to maximize both the tensile strength as well as the impact properties of natural fiber and nanoclay filled PE was applied to reach values well above that of virgin PE.

Evaluation of wood composite additives in the mechanical property changes of PE blends

“…The impact strength decreased steadily from 134.2 kJ/m 2 of pure PE down to 63.4 kJ/m 2 when 20% NC was loaded because of matrix fiber de‐bonding, less reactions between matrix and particles took place. According to our previous study , MAPE eventually enhances the impact strength of wood composites. However, the impact strength decreased by 30% in PE nanocomposite containing 3% NC, thereby lowering it from 103 kJ/m 2 to 79 kJ/m 2 when 8% MAPE was introduced.…”

“…According to our previous study of polypropylene based composites , 30% aspen fiber gives the highest impact strength without the addition of coupling agents and 3% maleated polyolefin offers optimal both impact and tensile strength. Moreover, addition of a small amount of NC probably increases tensile strength without decreasing impact strength . Therefore, in order to study the effect of the compounding method on the mechanical properties, PE composites were made with 3 wt% MAPE and 3% NC at 30% aspen fiber loading to study their effects on mechanical properties using a two‐roll mill (C.W.…”

Morphological changes and surface reactions of wood fibers in wood composites

“…This inference was in line with our previous findings. 6,8 In this case, the width of grafted fibers was expected to increase by up to 4 mm compared with native fibers from the above-mentioned FQA analyses. The fiber fractures were accordingly dominated by the layer deposited on fiber surfaces other than the viscosity of the based matrix.…”

“…The detailed compounding procedure was reported in our pervious articles. 6,8 Finally, thin composite slices were stored in a conditioned room (50% relative humidity and 23 C) until fiber separation and extraction.…”

“…[4][5][6] Maleic anhydride-grafted polymer reacts with lignocellulosic materials through an esterification reaction between the maleic anhydride groups of maleated polyolefin and the hydroxyl groups on fiber surface. 7 However, researchers frequently observed the improvement of mechanical properties 6,8 , but neglected the changes in fiber particles. The blending process admittedly generated a strong shearing and driving force, especially when wood fiber and coupling agent were introduced.…”