Effects of fungal decay on properties of mechanical, chemical, and water absorption of wood plastic composites. Issue 11 (7th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Feng, Jing; Li, Sujuan; Peng, Ruqun; Sun, Tingli; Xie, Xiaobao; Shi, Qingshan
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 138:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2020-10-07
• Subjects: biodegradable -- biopolymers and renewable polymers -- mechanical properties -- microscopy; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.50022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

Abstract: This study investigated the associations between wood species and fungal resistance, as well as the effects of fungal decay on the properties of mechanical, chemical, and water absorption of wood polypropylene composites (WPCs) filled with white poplar, moso‐bamboo, Chinese fir, Ramin, white pine, and rubber wood. Experimental results on weight losses and surface morphology both showed that fungal resistance of WPCs varied significantly with wood fiber species. Chinese fir and rubber wood filled composites separately presented the most and least durability against Coriolus versicolor (white rot) and Poria placenta (brown rot). In addition, fungal decay produced great differences in the properties of mechanical, chemical, and water absorptions between non‐decayed and decayed composites. The decayed composites showed lower MOR, tensile strength, and impact strength, as well as higher MOE and water absorptions compared with non‐decayed samples. These findings suggest that fungal decay could bring out dramatic influences on various properties of WPCs. Abstract : Fungal decay produced weight losses to wood plastic composites. Fungal decay decreased the MOR, tensile and impact strength of wood plastic composites. Fungal decay increased the MOE and water absorption of wood plastic composites. Wood species also has significant effects on the properties of wood plastic composites.