Enhancement of wood/polyethylene composites via compatibilization and incorporation of organoclay particles

Abstract

Despite many advantages of wood–polyethylene composites, the shortcomings of this kind of composite include relatively low modulus, low notched impact resistance, relatively large thermal expansion, as well as substantial creep. In this article, in addition to using maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene as compatibilizer, organoclay was introduced into the polyethylene matrix so as to further enhance the thermal and mechanical performance. First, the influence of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene type and loading on the morphology and properties of wood/HDPE composites was studied. Then, the effects of organoclay loading and of the compounding procedure on the wood/HDPE composites were investigated. The compatibilization was found to result in better polymer impregnation on the wood, reduced linear thermal expansion coefficients, and significantly improved mechanical properties. Incorporation of organoclay further reduced the thermal expansion and elevated the heat deflection temperature. More compatibilizer is needed to maintain the mechanical properties with the presence of clay. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:797–803, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers

Nanoclay/Polymer Composites: Recent Developments and Future Prospects

“…For the reed flour/clay/PP system, the incorporation of coupling agent was found to enhance the mechanical properties of the composites system. The same trend has been observed for wood flour/HDPE composite system with compatibilizers (Zhong et al 2007). As for the HDPE system, the addition of nanoclay to the rice husk flour reinforced HDPE composite increased crystallization temperature, crystallization enthalpy, and crystallinity level.…”

The effect of Poly-ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate efficiency and clay platelets on thermal and rheological properties of wood polyethylene composites.

“…Recently, investigations have shown that the mechanical properties of wood polyethylene composites modified with maleic anhydride, presented an increase of overall crystallinity compared to the pure and unmodified polyethylene [27]. The hypothesis to explain this phenomenon is the nucleation of crystallites [28]. In accordance with literature information, interfacial adhesion plays a crucial role in the determination of com-posite properties and the introduction of coupling agent has a significant effect.…”

Enhancement of Polyolefins Compatibility with Natural Fibers through Chemical Modification

“…The other alternative is to modify the plastic component in the WPC either by using blends with different plastic types or by using coupling agent which may be compatible with the hydrophobic plastic components and the hydrophilic wood or natural fiber component. In such cases grafted polypropylene and/or polyethylene with maleic anhydride can be of benefits in this regard [18][19].…”