Use of wood fibers in thermoplastic composites: VI. Isocyanate as a bonding agent for polyethylene–wood fiber composites

Abstract Linear low density (LLDPE) and high density (HDPE) polyethylenes were reinforced with wood fibers of aspen chemithermomechanical (CTMP) pulp. The different isocyantes: (i) polymethylene (polyphenyl isocyanate), (ii) tolene –2–4‐diisocyanate, (iii) 1–6 hexamethylene‐diisocyanate, and (iv) ethyl isocyanate used as bonding agents improved the tensile properties of the composites. HDPE performed better in comparison with LLDPE composites. Also, shorter fibers (mesh size 60) produced higher tensile strength and modulus in HDPE. The comparison of HDPE reinforced with aspen, mica, and glass fibers showed the effectiveness of wood fibers in terms of their cost and performance.