Effect of Coupling Agents and Weathering on the Mechanical Properties of Wood‐Polymer Composites

Polyvinylchloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), and low density polyethylene (LDPE) were used to prepare a range of wood‐polymer blends containing 20, 40, and 60% w/w medium density fibreboard sawdust (90–150 microns and 212–850 microns). The blends were melt compounded using a Killion single‐screw extruder with a barriertype screw design. Two couplings agents (maleic anhydride and a titanate‐based compound) were incorporated into the blends during compounding at levels of 1 and 2 wt%. Mechanical analysis illustrated improved impact and break strength and tensile modulus for blends containing PP and LDPE with 1% maleic anhydride. During a weathering time of 49 days, the mechanical properties decreased in all composites with water retention evident when the composites were “dry.”