The effects of heat-treated wood on the properties of polypropylene composites

Wood polymer composites have been used to many applications due to their easy processing, strength values, and price. Heat-treated wood as a filler can improve mechanical and durability properties of polymer composites. In this study, PP as a matrix and heat-treated wood at 180oC and 220oC (%5, %20 and %40) as a reinforcement filler were used and The composites prepared with twin screw extruder and the test samples were obtained with compression molding. The density, mechanical properties such as flexural MOR and MOE, tensile MOR and MOE, and izod impact strength, thermal properties such as thermal stability with TGA and crystallinity and melting temperature with DSC, morphological characterization with SEM and outdoor performance such as accelerated weathering and fungal test were investigated. According to the results, mechanical properties improved with the addition of heat-treated wood. Thermal properties such as Tc, Tm, Tonset, T10%, 50%, and 75% increased the loadings of heat-treated wood. XRD pattern and FTIR spectra showed to be similar structural properties of the composites. After accelerated weathering and fungal test, the durability of the composites enhanced with increasing of temperature in the heat treatment. Heat-treated wood was used as three different meshes.