The effects of fiber length and fiber loading on the mechanical properties of wood-plastic (polypropylene) composites

This study examined the effects of wood pulp fiber length (short, medium, and long), and fiber loading (27%, 37%, 47%, and 0% [non-reinforced PP]) with 3% maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene on the mechanical properties of wood-plastic composites (WPCs). Polypropylene and fibers were compounded into pellets using a counter-rotating twin-screw extruder and test specimens were prepared by injection molding. The results show that increases in fiber length and fiber loading significantly increased (P < 0.05) the mechanical properties of the WPCs (MOE and tensile modulus). The behavior of the composites against MOR and impact strength varied according to fiber length and loading level. In general, the tensile strength was observed to be the same.