Impact of coupling agent on properties of wood-plastic composite

Abstract

The impact of two coupling agents, maleic anhydride (coupling agent 1) and isocyanate (coupling agent 2) on the properties of wood-plastic composites (WPC) was studied. Wood-plastic composites were made with coupling agents 1 and 2 and properties were tested under the condition that the ratio of wood fiber to thermoplastic polymer was 7:3, target density was 0.7 g/cm³, press temperature was 175vH, press time was 8 min, and adding amount of coupling agent 2%. Results show that coupling agent 2 was superior to coupling agent 1 and had great effect on the physical and mechanical properties of WPC. When using the same coupling agent, the impact on their properties varied with different thermoplastic polymers.

Keywords

wood fiber, thermoplastic polymer, coupling agent, wood-plastic composite, physical and mechanical properties