Investigation adding of Nano clay particles and compatibilizer on the properties of composite made of polypropylene- Haloxylon wood flour

This study, with aim of investigation the effect of Nano clay particles and amount of compatibilizer on the physical and mechanical properties of wood-plastic composites from the polypropylene- Haloxylon wood flour was done. For this purpose, Haloxylon wood flour with 50% weight ratio with polypropylene were mixed. Maleic anhydride modified polypropylene maple to compatibilizer at two levels and Nano clay at three levels to filler were used. Mixed process of materials in extruding machine was done and test specimens were fabricated by using the injection molding machine. Then, the mechanical tests include bending, tension and impact and physical tests include water absorption and thickness swelling according to the ASTM standards was done on the samples. For investigation to how operation of compatibilizer from Fourier Transfer Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used. Morphological study of Nano composites with X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was done. The result showed that with addition of the amount of Nano clay particles to 4 percent, physical and mechanical properties were improved, but impact strength decreased. Also by adding the compatibilizer, physical and mechanical properties were improved. The results of Infrared spectroscopy showed that the amount of hydroxyl groups (OH) Due to linkage with Maleic Anhydride and the formation of ester groups decreased with adding the compatibilizer. Also, investigation the morphology of Nano composite by X-ray diffraction showed that the distribution of clay nanoparticles in polymeric matrix was intercalation and with adding of the amount Nano clay the distance between layers increases. The results of scanning electron microscopy was also showed improvement in the interface between the fibers and the polymer matrix with adding the compatibilizer.