Comparing four lignocellulosic materials in the properties of wood plastics/ nanoclay composites

To improve the mechanical properties of wood plastics composites, four lignocellulosic materials (bagasse, rice straw, wheat straw and poplar wood powder) was used as the reinforcing material. The amount of nano-clay at different levels (0, 3 and 6%) were examined on the performance of wood plastic composites. Tensile, flexural and impact properties were measured in accordance with ASTM standard test methods. Scanning electron microscope imaging (SEM) and transmission electron microscope imaging (TEM) were performed to interpret the results. The applocation of bagasse and poplar wood powder compared with wheat and rice straws increased the strength of wood plastics composites. Using 3% nanoclay particles increased the strength properties to the maximum values. Imaging the morphology of nanoclay by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy showed the distribution of nanoclay particles in polymer structure. With increasing the amount of nanoclay to 3%, the distance between layers increased.