The Effect of Filler Content and Size on the Mechanical Properties of Polypropylene/Oil Palm Wood Flour Composites

Abstract

The effect of filler content and size on the mechanical properties of a new type of wood-based filler, oil palm wood flour (OPWF), in polypropylene (PP) was investigated. Four sizes of OPWF filler at different filler loadings were compounded using a twin screw compounder. All sizes of filler showed a similar trend of declining mechanical properties with increasing filler content. In terms of size, the composites filled with larger-sized filler showed higher modulus, tensile and impact strengths, particularly at high filler loadings. The OPWF used in this study was not treated with any coupling agent.