Effect of silicon carbide and pulping processes on physical and mechanical properties of pulp plastic composites (PPCs)

This study evaluated the effect of different pulping processes and SiC particles on physical and mechanical properties of pulp plastic composites (PPCs). Polypropylene (PP), SODA and NSSC pulp fibers (max. 40 and 50 wt.%), silicon carbide particles (0, 5, 10, 15 wt.%), and 5 wt.% maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) as coupling agent were used to produce pulp plastic composites (PPCs) by injection molding. The physical and mechanical properties of samples were characterized according to ASTM standards. SODA pulp composites illustrated higher values in all properties except contact angle and showed approximately same abrasion resistance compared to NSSC pulp composites. The addition of SiC particles improved the negative effect of pulp fibers in water absorption, and increased both contact angle and abrasion resistance of PPCs. By contrast, tensile, flexural, and impact properties of pulp plastic composites decreased by increasing SiC particles. In general, 50 wt.% SODA/SiC composite containing 10 wt.% SiC particles showed the highest efficiency among composites.