Water sorption and mechanical performance of preheated wood/ thermoplastic composites

JOURNAL OF COMPOSITE MATERIALS

1. Alireza Kaboorani
   1. Département des sciences du bois et de la forêt, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada,  alireza.kaboorani.1@ulaval.ca

1. Karl R. Englund
   1. Composite Materials and Engineering Center, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-1806, USA

Abstract

Wood samples heat treated at 175°C, 190°C, and 205°C with different amounts of high density polyethylene and coupling agent were used for the production of wood/plastic composites. Measuring water sorption, thickness swelling, and diffusion coefficients of composites for a 40-week period immersion in water showed that composites with wood treatment at 190°C and 205°C had considerably higher water resistance. Adding a coupling agent reduced water sorption, thickness swelling, and diffusion coefficients, more pronounced in composites with untreated wood. Measurements of flexural properties in a control state and after 4 and 12 weeks immersion periods in water proved that heat treatment is an effective way to ease detrimental effects of water on mechanical properties. Modulus of elasticity showed more sensitivity to water exposure than modulus of rupture. Strain at maximum load increased after water exposure. Treating wood at 190°C resulted in good flexural properties and excellent water resistance.

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http://jcm.sagepub.com/content/45/13/1423.abstract