Polybutene as a matrix for wood plastic composites

• Published in: Composites science and technology 2010, Vol.70 (1), p.167-172
• Main Authors: Afrifah, K.A., Hickok, R.A., Matuana, L.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A. Polymers (Polybutene-1); A. Wood plastic composites; Applied sciences; B. Mechanical properties; Composites; D. Scanning electron microscopy; E. Extrusion/injection molding; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0266-3538; 1879-1050
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compscitech.2009.09.019

This study examined the feasibility of using polybutene-1 (PB-1), a ductile plastic, as a matrix for manufacturing wood plastic composites (WPCs) with improved toughness and ductility compared to currently commercialized WPCs. The processability, tensile, flexural, and impact properties of injection molded PB-1/wood-flour composite samples with varying proportions of wood flour were characterized. Analysis also included the morphology of fractured samples surface and adhesion between the polymer and wood flour using SEM. Comparisons of the mechanical properties and adhesion in the PB-1 composites to those of HDPE and PP-based WPCs found the composites made with PB-1 matrix significantly inferior in strength and stiffness (both in tensile and flexural) than their counterparts made of HDPE and PP matrices. In contrast, the processability, elongation at break, impact strength and adhesion in PB-1/wood-flour composites, superior to those of HDPE and PP, confirmed their suitability for use as a matrix in composites intended for applications subjected to high impacts.