Effect of Coupling Agent Concentration, Fiber Content, and Size on Mechanical Properties of Wood/HDPE Composites

Abstract

In this study, the influence of coupling agent concentration (0 and 3 wt%), wood fiber content (50, 60, 70, and 80 wt%), and size (40–60, 80–100, and 160–180 mesh) on the mechanical properties of wood/high-density-polyethylene (HDPE) composites (WPCs) was investigated. WPC samples were prepared with poplar wood-flour, HDPE, and polyethylene maleic anhydride copolymer (MAPE) as coupling agent. It was found that the tensile properties and the flexural properties of the composites were improved by the addition of 3 wt% MAPE, and the improved interfacial adhesion was well confirmed by SEM micrographs. It was also observed that the best mechanical properties of wood/HDPE composites can be reached with larger particle size in the range studied, while too-small particle size was adverse for the mechanical properties of wood/HDPE composites. Moreover, the tensile modulus, tensile strength, and flexural strength of WPCs decreased with the increase in fiber content from 50 to 80 wt%; the flexural modulus of WPCs increased with the increase in fiber content from 50 to 70 wt% and then decreased as the fiber content reached 80 wt%. The variances in property performance are helpful for the end-user to choose an appropriate coupling agent (MAPE) concentration, wood fiber content, and particle size based on performance needs and cost considerations.