Abstract
This study concerns the preparation and characterization of wood polymer nanocomposites based on impregnation of styrene acrylonitrile co-polymer-nanoclay intercalating system in presence of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), a cross linking agent, and vinyl trichloro silane (VTCS) as additives into Simul (Bombex ceiba, L.), a soft wood. The effect of nanoclay and VTCS on the properties of the resultant wood polymer nanocomposites (WPNC) has been evaluated. FTIR spectroscopy shows the interaction among wood, polymers, GMA, nanoclay and VTCS. The penetration of polymer and nanoclay into the wood cell wall is supported by SEM study. The distribution of nanoclay in the SAN polymer matrix present within the wood cell wall has been evidenced by TEM study. TGA results show an improvement in the thermostability of the resultant composites. The inclusion of VTCS enhances the self extinguishing behaviour of the WPNC as revealed by limiting oxygen index (LOI) test. Due to treatment, the resultant WPNC exhibits an improvement in all the properties like water repellancy, dimensional stability, hardness, flexural, tensile and thermal stability compared to untreated wood.
Highlights
Simul (Bombex ceiba, L.), a soft wood, is not useful for constructional purposes due to its poor dimensional stability and mechanical properties
Bulking reduced the cell wall’s ability to shrink and swell and improved dimensional stability of the wood samples[21].The deposition was further improved by the cross linker glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) and vinyl trichloro silane (VTCS) which interacted with both the polymer and wood through their double bonds and polar groups
The ultimate goal of impregnation of styrene acrylonitrile co-polymer and nanoclay into soft wood was to improve the properties of soft wood
Summary
Simul (Bombex ceiba, L.), a soft wood, is not useful for constructional purposes due to its poor dimensional stability and mechanical properties These properties can be enhanced through formation of composites. Wood– polymer composites (WPC), prepared by the impregnation of vinyl monomers followed by in situ polymerization by either γ-radiation or catalyst heat treatment, generally exhibit enhanced strength, improved thermal properties and dimensional stability, and resistance to biodeterioration[1,2,3,4]. Silane monomers are generally preferred over polysiloxane compounds for impregnation of wood It can penetrate into the cell wall of wood, polymerize in situ and reduces the leaching during outdoor use. The impregnation of vinyl trichlorosilane as an additive along with nanoclay and SAN polymer into wood and its effect on various properties like mechanical, flame retardancy, thermal stability, water absorption, dimensional stability (ASE), hardness have been investigated
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