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.