Effects of wood fiber content and coupling agent content on tensile properties of wood fiber polyethylene composites

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of coupling agent content, wood fiber content and wood fiber type on the mechanical properties of wood fiber-reinforced polymer composites (WPC). This study adopted a response surface strategy of a 20 run optimal design for these three factors. The WPC modulus of elasticity was mainly influenced by wood fiber type and wood fiber content, and tensile stress at break depended on wood fiber type, wood fiber content and coupling agent content, whereas strain at break was significantly affected by wood fiber content and coupling agent content, but not significantly influenced by wood fiber type.