Gamma-radiation-induced HDPE/Wood Composite: Studies of Morphological, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of the Composites

Abstract

Wood-polyethylene composites (WPEC) have been prepared with high density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix with pine wood, using maleic anhydride polyethylene (MAPE) as coupling agent and gamma irradiated.  This paper discusses the behavior of the composites after exposure to various gamma irradiation doses (5 – 175 kGy) in the presence of oxygen. The dependence of mechanical properties on the integral dose for a constant dose rate of 4.8 kGy/h confirms the influence of the irradiation. The main objective of this study was also to examine the potential benefits of gamma irradiating WPEC in order to enhance some physical properties of WPC, namely morphological and thermal properties. The tensile and flexural modulus increased with dose level. The fracture surfaces of the composites show a noticeable difference with the increase in the dose rate.  The fracture surfaces of composites exhibited clear difference in failure with increasing the dose rate. Meanwhile, the thermal stability was found to increase with increasing irradiation dose as shown by the percentage loss in weight at different decomposition temperatures and the temperatures of the maximum values of the rate of reaction. Examination of the fracture surfaces of composites revealed a distinct difference in failure between irradiated and non-irradiated surfaces.