Rubberwood - High-density polyethylene composites: Effect of filler size and coupling agents on mechanical properties

Abstract

Composites were made from rubberwood in the form of fibers (RWF) and powder (RWP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The RWP-HDPE composites showed higher tensile strength than those of the fibers. The inferior properties of the RWF-filled composites were believed to be attributed to the agglomeration of the fibers. Two types of coupling agents, that is, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TPM) and 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APE), were employed in an attempt to improve the mechanical properties of the composites. The former was able to significantly improve the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and impact strength of the RWF-filled composites. Treatment with TPM resulted in the reduction of the tensile modulus and increase in the elongation at break (EB) for both RWF and RWP-filled composites. APE produced RWP-filled composites with a higher tensile strength and modulus. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.