CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROCELLULAR FOAMED POLYOLEFIN BLEND COMPOSITES WITH WOOD FIBER

• Published in: International journal of polymeric materials 2004-11, Vol.53 (11), p.971-983
• Main Authors: Rachtanapun, P., Selke, S. E. M., Matuana, L. M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cellular; composit; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; foam; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; microcellular; Polymer industry, paints, wood; polyolefin; Technology of polymers; wood fiber
• ISSN: 0091-4037; 1563-535X
• DOI: 10.1080/00914030490516620

The effects of wood fiber content on the void fraction, cell morphology, and notched Izod impact strength of microcellular foamed HDPE/PP blend composites with wood fiber were studied. The influence of wood fiber content on the carbon dioxide adsorption and desorption in the samples was also examined. Adsorption of carbon dioxide decreased with increased wood fiber content. Gas diffusion rates were faster as wood fiber content increased. The void fraction decreased dramatically when wood fiber was introduced in the blend. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was used to investigate the effects of wood fiber content on cell morphology. The 30:70 HDPE/PP polymer blend without wood fiber resulted in a high void fraction, with a uniform and well-developed microcellular structure, but when wood fiber was introduced, a uniform and well-developed microcellular structure could not be produced. The effects of foaming on Izod impact strength were dependent on wood fiber content.