Southern Research Station

Title: Interfacial contributions in lignocellulosic firber-reinforced polyurethane composites

Author: Rials, Timothy G.; Wolcott, Michael P.; Nassar, John M.

Date: 2001

Source: Journal of Applied Polymer Science 80:546-555

Description: Whereas lignocellulosic fibers have received considerable attention as a reinforcing agent in thermoplastic composites, their applicability to reactive polymer systems remains of considerable interest. The hydroxyl-rich nature of natural lignocellulosic fibers suggests that they are particularly useful in thermsetting systems such as polyurethanes. To further this concept, urethane composites were prepared using both unused thermomechemical pulp and recycled newsprint fibers. In formulating the materials, the fibers were considered as a pseudo-reactant, contributing to the network formation. A di-functional and tri-functional poly(propylene oxide)-based polyol were investigated as the synthetic components with a polyol-miscible isocyanate resin serving as a crosslinking agent. The mechanical properties of the composites were found to depend most strongly on the type of fiber, and specifically the accessibility of hydroxy functionality on the fiber.

Keywords: Wood fiber, polyurethane, composite, interphase, dynamic mechanical analysis

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Citation

Rials, Timothy G.; Wolcott, Michael P.; Nassar, John M.  2001.  Interfacial contributions in lignocellulosic firber-reinforced polyurethane composites.   Journal of Applied Polymer Science 80:546-555