Absorption of water at ambient temperature and steam in wood-polymer composites prepared from agrowaste and polystyrene

Abstract

Hemp, banana, and agave fibers were employed for the preparation of wood–polymer composites using polystyrene in the ratio of 50 : 50 w/w. These fibers were esterified with maleic anhydride (MA) and the effect of MA was studied on the absorption of water at ambient temperature and steam in wood–polymer composites made from said fibers and polystyrene. The absorption of water increases with increase in time from 2 to 30 h in all fiber composites. The maximum absorption of water was found in hemp fiber composites, and the minimum in agave fiber composites. The MA-esterified fiber composites showed less absorption of water than did the untreated fiber composites. Steam absorption in MA-treated and untreated fiber composites is higher than the water absorption in the respective fiber composites. Untreated fiber composites show more absorption of steam in comparison to MA-treated fibers composites. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 68: 681–686, 1998