The Role of Nano Calcium Carbonate in Improving the Mechanical Properties of Poplar Wood Flour and Recycled Polypropylene Nanocomposites

KHAKIFIROOZ, Alireza; Samariha, Ahmad; Jouya, Hirsa

doi:10.22092/ijwpr.2025.369762.1807

Document Type : Composite Wood Products

Authors

¹ Faculty of Chemistry and Petrochemical Engineering, Department of Cellulosic Materials and Packaging, Standard Research Institute (SRI), Karaj, Iran

² Department of Engineering Sciences, Technical and Vocational University (TVU), Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22092/ijwpr.2025.369762.1807

Abstract

Background and objectives: Given the increasing use of nanocomposites in various industries, improving the mechanical and physical properties of these products is of particular importance. Nano calcium carbonate as an effective reinforcing agent can help improve the performance of poplar flour and recycled polypropylene nanocomposites. This research investigates the effect of the dosage of calcium carbonate nanoparticles in the nanocomposite mixturr on the mechanical properties of these nanocomposites. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of the size and amount of nano-calcium carbonate on the modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, and other mechanical properties of nanocomposites. The results of this study can help develop lightweight and durable products in the packaging, automotive, and other industries, and provide a solution for the optimal use of recycled materials.
Methodology: For this purpose, polypropylene (at three levels of 50, 60, and 70%), poplar wood flour (at three levels of 30, 40, and 50%), nano calcium carbonate (at four levels of 0, 1, 2, and 3% by weight), and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene at a fixed level of 3% were mixed using a twin-screw extruder, and standard test specimens were made using injection molding. Then, mechanical properties including tensile and bending strength, tensile and bending modulus, impact strength, and hardness were measured.
Results: The results related to the F-value and significance level showed that the effect of wood flour content on mechanical properties including tensile and bending strength, tensile and bending modulus, impact strength, and hardness was significant at a confidence level of 95%. Additionally, the effect of nano calcium carbonate on tensile and bending strength, bending modulus, and hardness was also significant at 95% confidence level, while bending modulus and impact resistance were not significant at this level. The interaction effect of flour amount and nano calcium carbonate was not significant on all strength at the 95% confidence level.
Conclusion: The results of this research show that increasing poplar wood flour from 30 to 50 percent has a significant effect on the mechanical properties of nanocomposites, especially increasing tensile and bending strength, tensile and bending modulus, and hardness. This improvement is due to increased adhesion and stress transfer between phases. However, increasing the amount of flour leads to a decrease in impact resistance and greater brittleness of the composite. Adding up to 3% by weight of nano calcium carbonate also improved the mechanical properties, but similar to flour, the impact resistance decreased. Overall, the appropriate selection of the type and number of additives can help improve the performance of nanocomposites, but it is also essential to pay attention to negative effects such as reduced impact resistance.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Composite wood products

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The Role of Nano Calcium Carbonate in Improving the Mechanical Properties of Poplar Wood Flour and Recycled Polypropylene Nanocomposites

References

References

Volume 40, Issue 4 - Serial Number 93December 2025Pages 297-309

Volume 40, Issue 4 - Serial Number 93
December 2025
Pages 297-309