The instrumented Izod and Charpy tests were performed on the sawdust-polypr
opylene (PP) composites to study the nature of impact resistance in the the
rmoplastic wood composites. The notched Izod strength was found to increase
with filler content in composites containing the Maleic-anhydride-grafted
PP (MAPP) additive. The Izod strength even exceeds that of the neat matrix
resin at higher filler contents, indicating a methodology for applying the
recycled PP and also for reinforcing the thermoplastics with wood powders.
While the static tensile results show evidences for the reinforcing role of
the wood filler, a fracture mechanics characterization through the Charpy
impact tests effects of MAPP under the impact loading rates. The choice of
MAPP as the additive was discussed accordingly for application of the sort
of materials. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.