4 research outputs found
Effect of particle size, coupling agent and DDGS additions on Paulownia wood polypropylene composites
Studies aimed at improving the tensile, flexural, impact, thermal, and physical characteristics of woodâplastic composites composed of Paulownia wood flour derived from 36-month-old trees blended with polypropylene were conducted. Composites of 25% and 40% w/w of Paulownia wood were produced by twin-screw compounding and injection molding. Composites containing 0â10% by weight of maleated polypropylene were evaluated and an optimum maleated polypropylene concentration determined, i.e., 5%. The particle size distribution of Paulownia wood filler is shown to have an effect on the tensile and flexural properties of the composites. Novel combination composites of dried distillerâs grain with solubles mixed with Paulownia wood (up to 40% w/w) were produced and their properties evaluated. Depending on the composite tested, soaking composites for 872âh alters mechanical properties and causes weight gain