The Effects of Nanosilica and Chemical Treatments on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Composites

In this study, we investigated the effect of nanosilica and chemical treatments on the engineering properties of WPC composite. In this research we have considered beech wood flour, nano-silica and acrylic acid for chemical treatments and HDPE in the manufacture of composite. With combination of 8 treatments variable factors, which in each 3 replicates were made. Then physical and mechanical properties of composite were measured according to ASTM standards. The results of tensile test indicate that with the addition of only 1% nanosilica, tensile strength was increased by 44%. The results of tensile modulus of elasticity showed that with increasing 1 percent nano silica in a multi-structure WPC, modulus of elasticity will increase and with the addition of acrylic acid in the samples we can improve modulus of elasticity. The positive effect of nanosilica on the impact strength was found. Water absorption and thickness swelling test results showed that the addition of nano-silica, resulting in decreased water absorption and thickness swelling and also in the samples made with chemically treated of acrylic acid we have seen less water absorption and thickness swelling.