Abstract
ABSTRACTIn this study, the effect of Eucalyptus globulus wood (UE) used as a filler (5–20% w/w) on the physical and thermal properties of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was evaluated. To improve the compatibility with HDPE, the wood was modified (TE) using crude glycerol derived from biodiesel production. The addition of 20% (w/w) of UE or TE led to more rigid and durable composite materials compared to neat HDPE (about 50 or 100% increase in tensile strength, respectively). Composites also revealed 55–75°C higher temperatures at maximal degradation rates. The advantageous behavior of TE over UE in composites was attributed to the improvement of surface morphology of modified wood and it is better compatibility with the HDPE as revealed by surface energy analysis. The changes in wetting behavior of HDPE and ensuing HDPE‐TE composites (contact angles of ca 72 and 80°, respectively) explain the matrix‐filler interactions. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48619.
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