Effect of fiber type and content on the natural durability of wood flour/high density polyethylene composites against rainbow fungus (Coriolus versicolor)

IRG/WP 07-40387

A Karimi, M Tajvidi, S Pourabbasi

In order to evaluate the effect of fiber type and content on the natural durability of wood flour/high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites against Coriolus versicolor, samples containing 25% and 50% by weight of various natural fibers and HDPE were selected. Natural fibers included in the study were wood flour, rice hulls, hemp fibers and newsprint. Samples containing 25% and 50% natural fiber had 1% and 2% compatibilizer (Maleic anhydride polyethylene (MAPE), respectively. Physical and mechanical properties of all specimens including water absorption, flexural modulus, flexural strength, impact strength and hardness were determined prior to and after incubation with the fungus for 14 weeks at 25 0C and 75% relative humidity. Weight losses of the specimens were also determined after incubation. Results indicated that samples containing 50% natural fiber were more susceptible to fungal decay as compared with those with 25% fiber. Rice hulls proved to be the most vulnerable natural fibers as nearly all mechanical properties of rice hulls composites significantly declined after contamination by the fungus.


Keywords: composites, natural fibers, high density polyethylene, natural durability

Conference: 07-10-29/11-02 Taipei, Taiwan


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