Modification of Wood Flour with Maleic Anhydride for Manufacture of Wood-Polymer Composites

Abstract

Composites consisting of synthetic polymers and natural organic fillers have many applications. Plant-based materials, particularly wood, are used as fillers. Most frequently they are added to the polymer in the shape of wood flour or wood fibres. This type of polymer composite allows the possibility of modifying the components in accordance with the requirements of the application. Modifications to wood flour (WF) were carried out with a 10% solution of maleic anhydride (MA) in acetone in the presence of benzoyl peroxide and dicumene hydroperoxide. Lignin and cellulose were isolated from the WF and modified by the same method as the WF. They were characterized by Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy and it was proved that there was a chemical reaction between the wood components and MA. This was confirmed by chemical analysis and by a determination of the hydroxyl groups in unmodified and modified WF. Composites of polypropylene and modified WF were obtained and studied by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis and mechanical tests. They showed an improvement in adhesion between the polymer and the modified WF

Green Composites Based on Unsaturated Polyester Resin from Recycled Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) with Wood Flour as Filler—Synthesis, Characterization and Aging Effect

“…One approach to reduce hygroscopicity is esterification of the wood component. Modification of wood with maleic anhydride improves its mechanical properties and induces stability while reducing water absorption [ 13 ]. The studies by Rahman et al [ 14 ] show that the incorporation of maleic anhydride increases the flexural strength and flexural modulus of composites compared to the ungrafted ones.…”

Cellulosic nanocomposites. A review

“…Maleic anhydride (MAH) and succinic anhydride also have been used to treat cellulosic materials (Roberts and Tatham 1992;Hubbe et al 1999;Nenkova et al 2006;Kamel et al 2008;Stenstad et al 2008). For instance, such an approach has been used to induce negative charges on the surfaces of microfibrillated cellulose (Kamel et al 2008;Stenstad et al 2008).…”

“…Though it is possible to carry out such reactions by heating cellulose fibers in the presence of dry MAH, it has been found that conditions may have to be controlled carefully to avoid undesired embrittlement of such fibers (Hubbe et al 1999). Researchers have demonstrated improved composite formation of MAH-treated cellulosic materials with polyolefins in certain cases Nenkova et al 2006;Kamel et al 2008). A related approach has involved addition of MAH as a separate component during compounding of composites that contain suitable matrix copolymers and cellulosic materials (Shi et al 2007).…”

Enhancing interfacial adhesion performance by using poly(vinyl alcohol) in (low‐density polyethylene)/(natural rubber)/(water hyacinth fiber) composites

“…There are many reports about the effects of chemical modification on solid wood and wood composites. Lignocellulosic fibers esterified with maleic anhydride and used to prepare composites present reduced moisture absorption of both fibers and the resulting composites in comparison to that of the untreated system .…”