The influence of wood flour particle size and content on the rheological, physical, mechanical and morphological properties of EVA/wood cellular composites

Abstract

Cellular composites reinforced with vegetal fibers are an emerging class of materials combining good mechanical properties with reduced density and superior impact energy absorption, as well as thermal and acoustic isolation compared to other composites. This research aims to investigate the effects of different particle sizes and contents of wood flour (WF) on the properties of cellular poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) (EVA)/WF composites. The cellular composites were foamed in a heat press using azodicarbonamide as blowing agent. The results indicate that decreasing the particle size of WF increases the viscosity of the composite, which restricts the expandability of the composite. The presence of WF in the cellular composite increases the nucleation of cells, providing a larger number of smaller cells with increased filler content. Optimal homogeneity was observed with WF B (100-150. mesh), but the highest mechanical properties of tear strength were observed with WF C (150-270. mesh). © 2014 Elsevier Ltd.