Southern Research Station

Title: Morphology and properties of wood-fiber reinforced blends of recycled polystyrene and polyethylene

Author: Simonsen, John; Rials, Timothy G.

Date: 1996

Source: Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials 9:292-302

Description: Material properties of composites produced from recycled plastics and recycled wood fiber were compared. A blend of high-density polyethylene and polystyrene was used as a simulated mixed plastic. Stiffness was generally improved by the addition of fiber, as expected, but brittleness also increased. Pre-treatment of the wood filler with phenol-formaldehyde resins did not significantly affect material properties. Differential scanning calorimetry indicated no interaction between the polyethylene phase and the other phases present in the composite. Glass transition temperatures for the various combinations of components indicated a possible interaction between the polystyrene phase and untreated wood filler. This was supported by scanning electron micrographs, which indicated a less caolesced morphology for samples filled with treated wood flour compared to those with untreated wood flour.

Keywords: Wood/polymer composite, polystyrene, polyethylene, recycled, plastics

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Citation

Simonsen, John; Rials, Timothy G.  1996.  Morphology and properties of wood-fiber reinforced blends of recycled polystyrene and polyethylene.   Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials 9:292-302