Steam-Exploded Residual Softwood-Filled Polypropylene Composites

摘要: Residual softwood sawdust was pretreated by a steam-explosion technique. It used as natural filler in polypropylene (PP)-based composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile properties of these materials were studied. The influ- ence loading, severity, coating the fiber with function- alized compatibilizer, such maleic anhydryde (MAPP), on mechan- ical behavior composite evaluated. results analyzed relation scanning electron microscopy observations, surface energy (dispersive polar components) apparent specific area measurements. Experimental data indicate better compatibility between MAPP-coated PP respect to untreated one. treatment found promote interfacial adhesion both components, enhance resulting composite. This reinforcing effect well predicted from theoretical calcu- lations based mean field approach (Halpin-Kardos model). pretreatment severity increased surface, resulted loss entirety. sorption also performed. that composites absorb more water, content is higher. MAPP provided protection water uptake interphase region. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 1962-1977,