Interfacial Structure and Properties of Wood/Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

Composite wood products have traditionally relied on thermosetting polymers like phenol-formaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde resins as binders. The continuing need to effectively utilize lignocellulosic fiber from low-quality hardwoods and from recycling streams has prompted consideration of new composites based on thermoplastic polymers [1,2]. Much of the development effort has focused on commodity polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene as the matrix or binder. Substantial progress has been made toward circumventing many of the processing challenges presented by this type of material. This work has consistently demonstrated the limited interaction that is established between the dissimilar phases, highlighting the need to better define factors influencing adhesion [3].

Citation

Rials, Timothy G.; Wolcott, Michael P.; Yin, Suzhow. 2000. Interfacial Structure and Properties of Wood/Polypropylene Composites. Proceedings of the 23^rd Annual Meetings of the Adheasion Society. Adhesion Science for the 21^st Century. Gregory L. Anderson, Editor