Influence of Polar Monomers on the Performance of Wood Fiber Reinforced Polystyrene Composites. I. Evaluation of Critical Conditions

Wood fibers and nonpolar thermoplastics, e.g. polystyrene, are not the ideal partner for the preparation of composites because of a wide difference in their polarity. In the present study, polarity of the polystyrene was modified by the introduction of a-COOH group, through the reaction with maleic anhydride (MA) in the presence of an initiator (benzoyl peroxide: BPO) in a roll mill at the elevated temperatures. Optimum conditions for the preparation of polar polystyrene have been investigated. The temperature of the roll mill, i.e., the reaction temperature, and reaction time varied between 160-175°C and 10-15 min., respectively. The concentrations of the monomer, (MA) as well as the initiator (BPO), also varied: 0-10% and 0-2% (by weight of polymer), respectively. The mechanical properties of chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP)-filled modified polystyrenes were evaluated. The effect of 3% coupling agent [e.g. poly(methylene (polyphenyl isocyanate))] (PMPPIC) on the mechanical properties of the same composites was also determined. Generally, mechanical properties of the composite materials were enhanced when modified polymers were used as base polymers. Moreover, the extent of the improvement in mechanical properties depends on the reaction temperature and time, as well as on the concentrations of the monomer (maleic anhydride) and initiator. Maximum improvements in mechanical properties occur when the temperature was maintained at 175°C for 15 min. In addition, preferred concentrations of both the monomer and initiator were found to be 5% and 1% (by polymer weight), respectively. Once again, properties were further accelarated when coupling agent (e.g. PMPPIC) was used in addition to the modified polystyrene. The improvements in mechanical properties (over those of the original polymer and those of composites containing unmodified polymers) indicate that the compatibility between hydrophilic cellulosic fiber and hydrophobic polymer has increased.