Studies on the preparation and properties of particle boards made from bagasse and PVC: II. Influence of the addition of coupling agents

Abstract

Under study was the effect of thermoplastics (e.g. polyvinyl chloride and polystyrene), as well as a coupling agent — poly (methylene (polyphenyl isocyanate)) (PMPPIC) — and bagasse lignin, on the mechanical properties of particle boards of sugarcane bagasse. The mechanical properties of bagasse particle boards were compared to those of hardwood aspen fiber particle boards, delignified bagasse particle boards, as well as those of composites made from bagasse, polymers and coupling agents. Particle boards of bagasse comprising both thermoplastics and a coupling agent offer superior properties compared to those made of only thermoplastic or a coupling agent. The extent of improvement in the mechanical properties of particle boards depended on the concentration of polymers and the coupling agent; nature of the fiber, polymer and coupling agent; composition of PMPPIC and bagasse; as well as lignin content of the bagasse. Moreover, the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of coupling agent-treated particle boards are superior to non-treated ones.