MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD/POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITE REINFORCED WITH TIO2 NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

Wood  plastic  composite  was  fabricated  using  high  density  polyethylene  and  pine  wood  fiber. The effect of addition of TiO2 nanoparticles at different weight fractions (0%, 1%, 3%,  and  5%)  on  some  properties  of  the  composite  was  examined.  The experimental  composites  were  tested  for  bending  strength,  tensile  strength,  Izod  impact  strength,  thickness  swelling,  and  contact  angle.  Field  emission  scanning  electron  microscopy  was  also  investigated  to  study  the  distribution  of  TiO₂  nanoparticles  in  the  composites.  The results showed that using TiO₂ nanoparticles as a reinforcing agent in wood plastic composites resulted in an increase in the tensile and bending strengths and a decrease the thickness swelling of the composites. The effect of TiO₂ nanoparticles on the Izod impact strength of composites was not significant. The results also showed that the contact angle of wood plastic composites was improved by using TiO₂ nanoparticles.