The effects of temperature and moisture exposure on the properties of wood fiber-polyolefin composites
- Univ. of Toronto, Ontario (Canada)
Composites were prepared with polypropylene (PP) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix resins employing high shear thermokinetic compounding for fiber dispersion. The wood fibers were obtained from dry-grinding old newspapers (ONP) and were added to the matrix polymers at a level of 30% with 3% maleated coupling agent. In one experiment, sets of 6 samples were exposed to -40C, -20C, OC, 23C, 40C, and 60C for 2 hours and tested at the same temperatures for tensile and flexural properties. In another experiment, samples were immersed in boiling water for up to 48 hours and subsequently tested for tensile, flexual, and impact properties along with water absorption. Results indicate that both strength and modulus decreases significantly with increasing temperatures above ambient (23C) levels for both PIP and HDPE composites. The opposite trend prevailed below freezing. Flexural properties were more sensitive to temperature changes than tensile properties. Immersion in boiling water resulted in water absorption of between 3 to 5%, a decrease in tensile and flexural properties and an increase in impact strength. These results suggest that possible temperature and water exposure conditions should be considered carefully when designing with wood fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites.
- OSTI ID:
- 127053
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950402--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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