The Mechanical Properties of Wood Fiber-reinforced Polymethylmethacrylate

Abstract The mechanical properties, e.g. tensile modulus (at 0.1% strain), tensile strength at maximum point and corresponding elongation and breaking energy, as well as impact strength, of compression molded PMMA and PMMA filled with wood fibers (10%-40% by weight of composite) have been investigated. Optimization of molding conditions, (e.g. temperature, time, pressure and mixing aids) was carried out. In optimum conditions of mixing and molding, the effect of different parameters, (e.g. nature and concentration of coupling agents (isocyanates), coating treatment, nature of wood species in the form of various pulps) on the mechanical properties of the resulting composites were evaluated. PMPPIC having 2%-4% (by weight of polymer) was found to behave as a true coupling agent because modulus as well as the tensile and impact strengths were improved. Moreover, PMPPIC acted as a coupling agent even when it was used for treatment of PMMA and fiber or to precoat the fiber. A distinct effect of the morphology of wood species and fiber-making techniques on the mechanical properties of wood fiber-filled composites was also observed.