Investigation on the Possibility of Physical and Mechanical Properties Modification of Wood-Plastic Nanocomposites By Microwave Radiation

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of microwave heat treatment on the physical and mechanical properties of composites made of wood flour, nanosilica and HDPE. For this purpose, nanosilica was used in four levels of 0, 1, 2 and 3%. First, the materials were mixed together in a twin-screw extruder and then ground into wood-plastic samples by injection molding machine. Also, to modification the properties of the composites, a standard microwave radiation with a power of 900 watts was used. The samples were subjected to physical and mechanical tests after applying microwave radiation. The results showed that with increasing nanosilica up to 3%, the modulus and flexural strength increased and the impact resistance, water absorption and swelling thickness of the samples decreased. The overall results showed the positive effect of microwave radiation on improving the adhesion in the interface area and increasing the modulus and flexural strength and reducing the water absorption of the samples. Also, the impact resistance of the samples was reduced by applying microwave treatment. These results were also confirmed by electron microscope images.