Processing and properties of short wood fiber/acrylate resin composites

Short wood fibers (SWF) and a water based and formaldehyde free cross linking acrylate resin have been used to produce bulk biocomposites, as a possible material for automotive and friction applications. SWFs of 200–400 µm in length were mixed with the resin in various proportions (40–60 wt%) using a kneading device. The mixture was dried in an oven and later cured in a hot press. Two curing cycles were used for this study: (a) curing at a temperature of 150°C and a pressure of 70 bar and (b) curing at 170°C and a pressure of 80 bar. Various morphological features, flexural and thermal properties, density, and specific wear rate under sliding against smooth steel were examined. Results show that increase in fiber weight fraction led to increase in tensile strength when the material was processed with 170°C and a pressure of 80 bar. Composites with 60 wt% SWF processed with 170°C and a pressure of 80 bar exhibited the highest flexural strength (64 MPa) and flexural modulus (7.2 GPa). Composites processed at lower temperature and pressure (150°C and 70 bar) are found to possess inferior mechanical properties compared with those processed at higher temperature and pressure (170°C and 80 bar). This composite also possessed a nearly stable storage modulus up to 50°C. All composites showed specific wear rate between 10⁻⁵ and 10⁻⁶ mm³/(Nm) and a very high friction coefficient of μ = 1.25 against smooth steel surfaces. SEM images revealed that there is a very good interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:91–98, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers