RUBBERWOOD-POLYMER COMPOSITES BASED ON GLYCIDYL METHACRYLATE AND DIALLYL PHTHALATE

Wood-polymer composites (WPC) of rubberwood (Hevea Brasiliensis) were prepared by impregnating the wood with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), co mbinations of glycidyl methacrylate and diallyl phthalate (GMA-DAP), o r diallyl phthalate (DAP) alone. Polymerization was carried out by cat alyst-heat treatment. The results showed that WPC based on GMA exhibit ed greater dimensional stability (results of antishrink efficiency aft er six days of soaking) about five times than those based on DAP alone . Flexural [Modulus of Elasticity (MOE), Modulus of Rupture (MOR), and toughness], compressive, and impact properties for all the samples te sted are improved, especially for those with higher chemical loading. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.