Abstract
The effect of fiber surface pretreatment on the interfacial strength and mechanical properties of wood fiber/polypropylene (WF/PP) composites are investigated. The results demonstrate that fiber surface conditions significantly influence the fiber-matrix interfacial bond, which, in turn, determines the mechanical properties of the composites. The WF/PP composite containing fibers pretreated with an acid-silane aqueous solution exhibits the highest tensile properties among the materials studied. This observation is a direct result of the strong interfacial bond caused by the acid/ water condition used in the fiber pretreatment. Evidence from coupling chemistry, Theological and electron microscopic studies support the above conclusion. When SEBS-g-MA copolymer is used, a synergistic toughening effect between the wood fiber and the copolymer is observed. The V-notch Charpy impact strength of the WF/PP/SEBS-g-MA composite is substantially higher than that of the WF/PP composite. The synergistic toughening mechanisms are discussed with respect to the interfacial bond strength, fiber-matrix debonding, and matrix plastic deformation.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1000-1010 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Journal of Applied Polymer Science |
| Volume | 76 |
| Issue number | 7 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 16 May 2000 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Impact strength
- Interfacial adhesion
- Wood fiber/polypropylene composite
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Chemistry
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films
- Polymers and Plastics
- Materials Chemistry