Effect of PVA-co-MMA Copolymer on the Physical, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of Tropical Wood Materials

Md Saiful Islam,M Jawaid,Mahbub Hasan,Azman Hassan,Sinin Hamdan,Mansor B Ahmad,M K Mohamad Haafiz

doi:10.1155/2014/626850

Abstract

The present study demonstrates the effect of copolymer on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of tropical wood and wood polymer composites (WPCs). Mixed monomers of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were effectively impregnated into the cellular structure of several types of tropical wood, which then underwent a catalyst-thermal process to polymerize and form WPC. The manufacturing of WPC was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. The SEM observation showed that polymer converted from monomers filled up wood cell cavities and tightly interacted with wood matrix. The X-ray diffraction results reveal that the degree of crystallinity was significantly improved upon impregnation with PVA-co-MMA copolymer. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) and compressive modulus were found to be significantly higher after treatment with MMA/PVA indicating improvement of mechanical properties of the wood samples. In addition, the modified WPC had lower water absorption compared to their corresponding raw samples. It is interesting to note that thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis shows an extensive improvement in thermal properties of WPC.

Highlights

Structural wood has always been an essential raw material and has been used worldwide for a variety of purposes
After impregnation with methyl methacrylate (MMA)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), the weight percentage gains for Jelutong, Terbulan, Batai, Rubberwood, and Pulai were 42, 38, 47, 25, and 32%, respectively. These results revealed that MMA/PVA were successfully incorporated in the wood species in order to form wood polymer composites
The initial decomposition temperature (Ti) and the maximum decomposition temperature (Tf) values for wood polymer composites (WPCs) samples were significantly higher than their corresponding raw wood samples. These results indicate that a WPC sample impregnated with MMA/PVA was more thermally stable

Summary

Introduction

Structural wood has always been an essential raw material and has been used worldwide for a variety of purposes. It has some disadvantages, including “poor physicomechanical properties, susceptibility to damage, deterioration, and frequent costly maintenance [1,2,3].”. Wood has been treated with a variety of chemicals to augment its physical, mechanical, and biological properties. Such modified wood is more resistant against decay and has improved mechanical properties, in particular, strength

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Methods

Results

Conclusion