The Effects of Different Types of Maleic Anhydride-Modified Polypropylene on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene-based Wood/Plastic Composites

Abstract

Maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene (MAPP) is a compatibilizer used to improve the physical and mechanical properties of many wood/plastic composites (WPCs). The properties of WPCs containing MAPP differ according to the characteristics of the specific MAPP that it is used. In this study, the physical and mechanical properties, including shear viscosity, of polypropylene-based WPCs containing different types of MAPP were investigated before and after water absorption. The shear viscosity of MAPP increased with increasing molecular weight, but remained nearly constant for WPCs containing different types of MAPP. In dry conditions, the strongest WPC contained the MAPP with the highest acid value. The highest flexural modulus was observed with the WPC containing the MAPP with the highest molecular weight. In wet conditions, the WPC exhibiting the best mechanical properties contained a MAPP with a molecular weight of 58,000.