INFLUENCE OF FIBER SURFACE TREATMENT ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF STEAM-EXPLODED ACACIA MANGIUM FIBER-FILLED POLYPROPYLENE

摘要

Polypropylene composites containing 40 wt% steam-exploded Acacia mangium wood fiber were fabricated using Haake Rheomix kneader and compression molding. To enhance fiber/matrix adhesion, the fiber was surface modified with either acetic anhydride or maleated polypropylene (MAPP). The modified fibers were characterized by FTIR and ESCA. The treatment of steam-exploded fiber with MAPP has resulted in an increase in the mechanical properties of the composites. Improved fiber/matrix adhesion was observed via SEM. Acetylated fiber on the other hand did not have any appreciable effects on the composite properties. The properties instead were lower than composites filled with untreated fiber. Degradation of fiber properties during the treatment with acetic anhydride in addition to poor fiber/matrix adhesion may account for this result.