MORPHOLOGY AND PROPERTIES OF WOOD-FIBER REINFORCED BLENDS OF RECYCLEDPOLYSTYRENE AND POLYETHYLENE

Material properties of composites produced from recycled plastics and recycled wood fiber were compared. A blend of high-density polyethylen e and polystyrene was used as a simulated mixed plastic. Stiffness was generally improved by the addition of fiber, as expected, but brittle ness also increased. Pre-treatment of the wood filler with phenol-form aldehyde resins did not significantly affect material properties. Diff erential scanning calorimetry indicated no interaction between the pol yethylene phase and the other phases present in the composite. Glass t ransition temperatures for the various combinations of components indi cated a possible interaction between the polystyrene phase and untreat ed wood filler. This was supported by scanning electron micrographs, w hich indicated a less-coalesced morphology for samples filled with tre ated wood flour compared to those with untreated wood flour.