Selected properties of mahogany wood flour filled polypropylene composites: The effect of maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to produce mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) wood flour filled polypropylene (both recycled and virgin) composites and to determine the effects of maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) on the interfacial compatibility, density, and other mechanical properties of the resulting composites. Approximately 40 wt% of mahogany wood flour, and 60 wt% of polypropylene, 3 wt% of MAPP, 1.5 wt% of zinc stearate, and 1.5 wt% of wax were used during composite manufacturing. Test specimens were manufactured using extrusion and injection molding processes. The flexural, tensile, impact, and hardness properties of all specimens were determined. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the morphology and interfacial compatibility of the filler in prepared composites. The test results showed that MAPP use and the filler rates affected the density and mechanical properties of test specimens.