COMPOSITION DEPENDENCE ON THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF HYDROPHOBIC LIGNOCELLULOSE-REINFORCED POLY (TRIMETHYLENE) TEREPHTHALATE COMPOSITES

摘要

Lignocellulosic fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites offer many property and environmental benefits. The major issue to overcome is moisture absorption due to the hydrophilic nature of the lignocellulosic component. The aim of this work is to combine hydrophobic natural fibers (NF) and a thermoplastic to produce a novel wood polymer composite that offers moisture resistance, dimensional stability, and resistance to microbial attack. Hydrophobic NFs are combined with polytrimethylene terephthalate using a novel, injection molding method and the flexural, tensile, and impact resistance mechanical properties presented.