(163be) Effect of Compatiblizer Blends on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Hdpe/Wood/Clay Nanocomposites

In recent years the demand for wood/polymer composites (WPC) has increased substantially. Applications of such materials are in the construction and automotive industries. Polyethylene is the most commonly used polymer as a matrix for these composites. Wood fibers lend structural reinforcement to the structurally weak polymer. Compatibilizers such as maleic anhydride modified polyethylene (MAPE) and silanes are generally used to enhance the interfacial adhesion between the hydrophilic wood fibers and the hydrophobic polymer matrix. In previous studies it was found that the addition of nanoclay to WPC in the presence of MAPE reduces the linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and increases the heat deflection temperature (HDT) of these composites without affecting their processability. The literature indicates that the addition of the low molecular weight MAPE to the WPC increases the HDT and decreases the CTE. Addition of high molecular weight MAPE was found to improve the mechanical properties of polymer/clay nanocomposites (PCN). This project concentrates on blending high molecular weight MAPEs with low molecular weight MAPEs in order to maximize their compatibilization effects on wood/polymer/clay nanocomposites. A factorial experimental design is being used in this study. We will report on the effects of the ratio of high to low molecular weight MAPEs, extruder temperature in the second mixing zone, and clay loading on the thermal properties of wood/polyethylene/clay nanocomposites.