Effect of Co-monomer Styrene on Reactive Compatibilization of PE/Wood-flour Composites

Abstract

Compatibilization between polyethylene(PE) and wood-flour was achieved by means of direct reactive extrusion of PE, wood-flour, maleic anhydride(MAH), co-monomer styrene(St) and dicumyl peroxide. Mechanical properties and heat distortion temperature(HDT) of the PE/wood-flour composites were tested, and impact cracking surfaces of the composites were observed via scanning electron microscope. Effect of St on reactive compatibilization of the composites was evaluated. Experimental results indicated that the anchoring strength of interface in the composites was obviously strengthened after St was added. Mechanical properties and HDT of the composites raised with increase of use level of St on the initial stage, and then gradually descended. When use level of St ran up to 1.5%, mechanical properties and HDT of the composites were best. At this moment, the mole ratio of St and MAH was approximately 1:1.