Influence of particle size on water absorption capacity and mechanical properties of polyethylene-wood flour composites

Abstract

Biocomposites based on low density polyethylene (LDPE) and birch wood flour (WF) were investigated. The mechanical properties and water absorption capacity were examined depending on the particle size of a filler in biocomposites. The aim of the paper is the investigation of composite properties depending on the filler particle size. The filler particle sizes were 0–80 µm, 80–140 µm, 140–200 µm, and 0–200 µm. The tensile strength of composite samples varied within the range 5.7–8.2 MPa. Elongation at break of composites varied within the range 5.1–7.5%. Highest mechanical properties were found in composites with the lowest filler fraction. Highest water absorption was observed in composition with a complex fraction of the filler. The influence of the filler particle size on composite properties was shown. It was found that an increase of the filler particle size decreases mechanical parameters and increases water absorption.