Effects of Nanoclay and Microcrystalline Cellulose on Wood Plastics Composites Properties

The main objective of this work was to study the effects of nanoclay (NC)، microcrystalline cellulose (MCC)، and coupling agent (MAPP) on the mechanical and thermal properties. The results showed that mechanical properties of the composites made with MCC were significantly superior to those of unfilled. Addition of MAPP could enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of the blends، due to the improvement of interface bond between the filler and matrix. The significant improvements in tensile properties of the blends composites made with MAPP and NC were further supported by SEM micrographs. The thermo gravimetric analysis indicated that the addition of 5 wt. % MAPP and 3 wt. % NC remarkably increased the thermal stability of the blends compared to the pure PP. It is to be noted that MCC could not improve the thermal stability.