Direct Reactive Compatibilization of GMA and Comonomer on PP/Wood-Flour Composites

Abstract

Compatibilization between polypropylene(PP) and wood-flour was achieved by means of direct reactive extrusion of glycidyl methacrylate(GMA), PP, wood-flour, and other additives. Impact cracking surfaces of the PP/wood-flour composites(WPCs) was observed via scanning electron microscope(SEM), and mechanical properties of the WPCs were tested. The effect of comonomer styrene(St) and antioxygen triphenyl phosphite(TPP) on the reactive compatibilization was also evaluated. Experimental results indicated that the anchoring strength of interface in the composites was obviously strengthened after direct reactive extrusion. The tensile and flexural strength of the WPCs were obviously improved, but the elongation at break and notched impact strength slightly declined after reactive compatibilization by GMA and dicumyl peroxide(DCP). The addition of St and TPP improved the mechanical properties of the WPCs. At 1.5% of GMA, 0.3% of DCP, 1.5% of St and 1% of TPP in the extrusion composition of WPC, the tensile strength, flexural strength, elongation at break and notched impact strength respectively increased by 39%, 31%, 28% and 29% comparing to those of the WPC without reactive extrusion.