The research on the mechanical properties improvement of HDPE/ABS blends reinforced with acid‐treated wood fiber

In this study, the effect of acid‐treated wood fiber modifications on the mechanical behaviors of HDPE/ABS blend is investigated. Wood fiber/HDPE/ABS composites were fabricated by incorporating acid‐treated wood fiber into HDPE/ABS blends. The results showed that both the tensile strength and flexural strength of wood fiber/HDPE/ABS composites were greater than those of HDPE/ABS blend, regardless of wood fiber modification. The results also showed that the impact strength of HDPE/ABS composites is improved by the addition of wood fiber. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) examination of fractured surfaces showed that the improvement in the mechanical properties of the wood fiber/HDPE/ABS composites was attributed to the improved dispersion of wood fiber in the HDPE/ABS and the better interfacial characteristics caused by the acid treatment of the wood fiber.