Effect of Fiber Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Polystyrene Composites: III. Use of Mica and Sawdust as Hybrid Fiber

An attempt was made to discover the hybridization effect of surface-treated mica and wood flour on the mechanical properties of polystyrene composites. Both soft wood (spruce) and hardwood (aspen) species were used. The effect of various treatments of wood flour (e.g., coating with polystyrene + isocyanate or with a silane coupling agent as well as grafting), or composition of wood flour and mica, on the composites' mechani cal properties were examined. Mechanical properties vary with the change in wood spe cies as well as with the treatment of wood fiber, the composition of hybrid fibers and grades of polystyrene. Compared to non-treated wood fiber/mica-filled composites, me chanical properties of treated wood fiber/mica-filled composites improved.