Effect of Isoberlina Wood Fillers on the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of PVC Composites

Abstract

Mechanical and thermal properties of Isoberlina (IS) wood reinforced polyvinyl chloride composites have been studied. The IS fibre was treated with sodium hydroxide solution to boast the adhesion between the hydrophilic natural fibre and the hydrophobic plastic matrix. The percentage fibre loading was varied from 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 to 24. Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) technique was used to investigate the effect of Isoberlina wood powder on the thermal properties of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The mechanical properties: ultimate tensile strength (UTS), elastic modulus and hardness showed an extensive improvement compared to the unreinforced PVC. DMA results showed that composite with 12 wt % IS have higher glass transition temperature and better stiffness stability at elevated temperature than the unreinforced PVC. Isoberlina wood powder can thus serve as a valuable reinforcement in the development of polymer composites.