The Influence of Coupling Agents On Mechanical Properties of Composites Containing Cellulosic Fillers

Abstract

Abstract Three different cellulosic fibers-a mechanical pulp, wood flour, and cellulose pulp-were used as filler in high-density polyethylene (HDPE). the addition of wood fiber in HDPE increased the stiffness of the composites while the tensile strength decreased. to improve the adhesion between the filler and the polymer matrix, wood fibers were pretreated with a silane coupling agent/polyisocyanate before compounding with the polymer. Tensile strength increased from 18.5 MPa (untreated fiber) to 35.2 MPa in isocyanate-treated fiber composites. Analysis of the filler cost/performance showed the advantage of wood fiber over glass fiber and mica.