A new generation of wood polymer composite with improved thermal stability

作者：Sliwa Fabien^*; El Bounia Nour eddine; Marin Gerard; Charrier Fatima; Malet Frederic

来源：Polymer Degradation and Stability, 2012, 97(4): 496-503.

DOI：10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2012.01.023

• Degradation
• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)
• Wood composite
• Pebax
• Thermal properties

We have studied the thermal stability of a new family of wood polymer composites (WPC) which use a thermoplastic elastomer matrix (pebax (R) copolymers). These copolymers are poly(ether-b-amide) thermoplastic elastomers which show a significant elongation at break and a melting point below 200 degrees C which helps prevent degradation of wood fibres upon processing. Moreover these polymers present a hydrophilic character able to interact with wood fibres. Another important feature is that these polymers are synthesized from renewable sources. We have been using two types of pebax (R) matrices and two species of wood flour as fillers. Composites were made by using a laboratory-size twin-screw extruder to obtain homogeneous composite pellets prior to injection moulding into tensile test samples. %26lt;br%26gt;The thermal stability of the matrix, wood fibres and composites was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis under air and nitrogen atmosphere. In our study, we have shown a spectacular improvement of thermal stability of the composites under air atmosphere, as opposed to measurement performed under nitrogen. The presence of wood in pebax (R) hinders the thermo-oxidation in air by the formation of char residue in the earlier stage of degradation. We have also determined an optimal range of wood content in which we observe the protective synergism.

• 出版日期2012-4