Effect of initiator activity and extrusion temperature on reactive compatibilization of HDPE/wood-flour composites

This investigation attempted to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of high-density polyethylene/wood-flour composites via reactive compatibilization between polyethylene and wood-flour by initiator and maleic anhydride.Well-distributed dispersing of wood-flour in high-density polyethylene,grafing reaction of maleic anhydride and high-density polyethylene and interphase reaction of graft copolymer and wood-flour were simultaneously achieved by co-rotating twin screw extruder.Impact rupture suface of the composites was observed by scanning electron microscope,and the load deformation temperature and mechanical properties were tested.Effect of initiator activity and extrusion temperature on reactive compatibilization of high-density polyethylene/wood-flour composites was analyzed.The results indicated that the anchoring strength of both phase was obviously strengthened and the load deformation temperature,tensile strength,flexural strength,notched impact strength and elongation at break of the composites were distinctly heightened after reactive compatibilization via dicumyl peroxide,that is moderate active,and maleic anhydride.Benzoyl peroxide,that is highly active,and maleic anhydride almost did not improve properties of composites.If dicumyl peroxide and maleic anhydride were used as compatibilizer,the best dosage of maleic anhydride increased when extrusion temperature goes up.