Influence of Maleic-Anhydride-Polypropylene (MAPP) on Wettability of Polypropylene/Wood Flour/Glass Fiber Hybrid Composites

Mohebby, B.; Fallah-Moghadam, P.; Ghotbifar, A. R.; Kazemi-Najafi, S.

Influence of Maleic-Anhydride-Polypropylene (MAPP) on Wettability of Polypropylene/Wood Flour/Glass Fiber Hybrid Composites

Authors

B. Mohebby

P. Fallah-Moghadam

A. R. Ghotbifar

S. Kazemi-Najafi

Department of Wood and Paper Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tarbiat Modares University, P.O. Box: 46414-356, Noor, Islamic Republic of Iran.

Abstract

The influence of maleic anhydride-polypropylene (MAPP) (0, 2, 3 and 5%) as a compatibilizer on the wettability of polypropylene/wood flour/glass fiber hybrid composites was studied by using the contact angle determination technique. Sample slats with a cross section of 10×70 mm were made by a twin screw extruder. Specimens were conditioned at room temperature and the angles between the water droplets and surfaces of the hybrid composites were measured. Results revealed that the wettability of the composites was significantly decreased as the MAPP was increased to 3%. However, no significant decreasing effect was observed at MAPP contents above 3%.

Keywords

Contact angle

Polypropylene/Wood flour/Glass fiber hybrid composites

Wettability