Effects of Wood Fiber Surface Chemistry on the Mechanical Properties of Wood Fiber-Polypropylene Composites

The main objectives of the present study was to investigate the surface chemistry of different wood fibers, and evaluate its relative importance with respect to mechanical properties of wood fiber-polypropylene composites, and ascertain other factors of wood fibers that may affect the mechanical properties. Wood fiber surface chemistry had no direct influence on the mechanical properties of wood fiber-polypropylene composites. However, the surface chemistry was found to be an important factor which determines the wettability of wood fibers by the polypropylene matrix. Morphological features of wood fibers (fluffy, fibrous, curled, and twisted nature), and bulk density of wood fibers had a significant influence in determining the mechanical properties of wood fiber-polypropylene composites as they affect the dispersion of wood fibers in polypropylene matrix and the interlocking of wood fibers into the polypropylene matrix.