Physico-mechanical and morphological properties of nanocomposite made from Canola stalk

In this study, the possibility of using canola tree stem residues and nanoclay particles on physical, mechanical and morphological properties of canola wood flour – polypropylene composites was investigated. The weight ratio of canola wood flour and polypropylene in the mixture was 50% and 50%and 0, 3 and 5 percent nanoclay and 4% MAPP were used. First, the ingredients were mixed using the extruder and then final panels were produced by hot pressing the compoud. Physical and mechanical properties were measured. Results indicated that water absorption and thickness swelling of the composites decreased as the nanoclay content was increased. The screw and nail withdrawal strength of wood plastic composite increased with increasing nanoclay up to 3% percent, then decreases with the increasing nanoclay to 5%. Morphologies of the nanocomposites were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the results showed increased d-spacing of clay layers indicating enhanced compatibility between polypropylene and nanoclay and canola stalk flour.