This study examines the effect of particle size and wood flour content on the properties of polystyrene filled with white oak flour. Wood-plastic ratios 10:90, 30:70 and 50:50% (wt/wt) and particle size 40, 50, 65 and 100 mesh were used. Tensile, bending and impact bending strength as well as the melt flow index were evaluated. Additionally, composite density and water absorption capacity were also tested. Scanning electronic microscopy revealed good adhesion between wood particles and polystyrene. Results show that mechanical properties are strongly influenced by wood flour content and particle size. A reduction in tensile module, elongation and deflection were observed, however, the bending module was increased. Impact strength increased with particle size and content. Melt flow index values are reduced with the increasing amount of filler content while water absorption increases with the amount of wood particles.
SanjuanRJJassoCF. Effect of waste agave fiber on reinforcing of virgin or recycled polypropylene. Rev Mex de Ing Quim2009; 8(3): 319–327.
2.
LightseyGRPolymer applications of renewable resource materials. In: CarrahenCEJrSperlingLH (eds). Characteristic of sisal fiber, New York: Plenum Press, 1983, pp. 193–211.
3.
KlasonCKubátJStrömerHE. The efficiency of cellulosic fillers in common thermoplastics, Part I. Filling without processing aids or coupling agents. Int Polym Mater1984; 10: 159–187.
4.
ZadoreckiPMichellAJ. Future prospects for wood cellulose as reinforcement in organic polymer composites. Polymer Composites1989; 10(2): 69–77.
5.
RietveldJXSimonMJ. Processability and properties of wood flour filled polypropylene. Inter J Polymeric Mater1992; 18: 213–235.
6.
TolêdoDRFScrivenerKEnglandLG. Durability of alkali-sensitive sisal and coconut fibres in cement mortar composites. Cement Concr Compos2000; 22(2): 127–143.
7.
KhosrowGRomildoDTolêdoF. Behaviour of composite soil reinforced with natural fibres. Cement Concr Compos1999; 21(1): 39–48.
8.
MohantyAKMisraMDrzalLTNatural fibers, biopolymers and biocomposites. In: MohantyAKMisraMLawrenceT (eds). An introduction in natural fibers, biopolymers and biocomposites, Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, 2005, pp. 1–36.
9.
KozlowskiRWladyka-PrzbylakM. Natural fibers plastics and composites, Boston: Wallenberger and Weston, 2004, pp. 249–250.
10.
MaldasDKokatBV. Surface modification of wood fibers using maleic anhydride and isocyanate as coating components and their performance in polystyrene composites. J Adhesive Sci Tech1991; 5(9): 727–740.
11.
MankowskiMMorellJJ. Patterns of fungal attack in wood-plastic composites following exposure in a soil block test. Wood Fiber Sci2000; 32(3): 340–345.
LomelíMGOchoaHGFuentesFJ. Evaluation of accelerated decay of wood plastic composites by Xylophagus fungi. Int Biodeterioration Biodegradation2009; 63: 1030–1035.
14.
WladimirLVCorreaCARazzinoCA. Efeitos do Tipo de Poliestireno de Alto Impacto nas Propriedades de Compósitos Termoplásticos com Farinha de Resíduo de Madeira. Polímeros: Ciência e Tecnologia2004; 14(5): 339–348.
15.
MaldasDKoktaBV. Effect of fiber treatment on the mechanical properties of hybrid fiber reinforced polystyrene composites: III. Use of mica and sawdust as hybrid fiber. J Reinf Plast Compos1991; 10(1): 42–57.
16.
LisperguerJDroguettCRufB. The effect of wood acetylation on thermal behavior of wood-polyestyrene composites. Chil Chem Soc2007; 52: 1073–1075.
17.
MaldasDKoktaBV. Effects of coating treatments on the mechanical behavior of wood fiber-filled polystyrene composites. II. Use of inorganic salt/polyvinyl chloride and isocyanate as coating components. J Reinf Plast Compos1990; 9(1): 2–12.
18.
MaldasDKoktaBVDaneaultC. Influence of coupling agents and treatments on the mechanical properties of cellulose fiber-polystyrene composites. J Appl Polym Sci1989; 37: 751–755.
19.
Manikandan NairKCThomasS. Effect of ageing on the mechanical properties of short sisal fibre reinforced polystyrene composites. J Thermoplast Compos Mater2003; 16: 249–271.
20.
American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard test method for tensile properties of plastics, ASTM 638-02a, 2002.
21.
American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard test method for flexural properties of unreinforced and reinforced plastics and electrical insulating materials properties, ASTM 790-03, 2003.
22.
American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard test method for impact resistance of flat, rigid plastic specimens by means of falling dart (tup or falling mass), ASTM D 5628-96, 1996.
23.
American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard test method for melt flow rates of thermoplastics by extrusion plastometer. ASTM 1238-00, 2000.
24.
American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard test method for water absorption of plastics, ASTM D 570-98, 1998.
25.
ClemonsC. Wood-plastic composites in the United States. Forest Prod J2002; 52(6): 10–18.
26.
HanSYHyunJKHeeJP. Water absorption behavior and mechanical properties of lignocellulosic filler–polyolefin bio-composites. Compos Struct2006; 72(4): 429–437.
27.
KazemiNSSharifniaHTajvidiM. Effects of water absorption on creep behavior of wood-plastic composites. J Compos Mater2008; 42(10): 993–1002.
28.
SimonsenJRialsTG. Morphology and properties of wood-fiber reinforced blends of recycled polystyrene and polyethylene. J Thermoplast Compos Mater1996; 9: 292–302.
29.
Stark N and Berger MJ. Effect of species and particle size on properties of wood-flour-filled polypropylene composites. Proceedings: Functional fillers for thermoplastics & thermosets. USDA Forest Service. Madison, WI: Forest Products Laboratory, 1997, pp.1–16.
30.
Stark N and Berger MJ. Effect of particle size on properties of wood-flour reinforced polypropylene composites. proceedings: Fourth International Conference on Wood Fiber-Plastic Composites, Madison, WI, 1997, pp.134–143.
