Document Type : Research Paper
Author
Wood Science and Its products Research Division, Iran Research Institute of Forests and Rangelands, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Two recycled polymers (rHTPE and rPP) combined with baggase fibers were used as the reinforcing material to improve the mechanical properties of wood plastic nanoclay composite. The amount of baggase fibers varied at three levels (25, 35 and, 45 percent). Two recycled polymers (rPP and rHDPE) were used as polymer matrix. Tensile, flexural and impact strength properties were measured according to ASTM standard tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) was performed to interpret the results. The results were statistically analyzed using factorial experimental under completely randomized block design and the averages were compared using DMRT. The application of 35 percent bagasse fibers as compared with 25 and 45 percent increased the strength of wood plastics composites. However, higher impact strength was reached using 25% bagasse fibers as compared with either 35 or 45% bagasse fibers. rHDPE nano-clay composite showed higher tensile, flexural and impact properties compared with rPP. Imaging the morphology of nano-clay by X-Ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy showed the distribution of nano-clay particles in polymer structure and intercalation was observed.
Keywords
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