Light stabilizers added to the shell of co-extruded wood/high-density polyethylene composites to improve mechanical and anti-UV ageing properties. Issue 5 (9th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liu, Chaozheng; Mei, Changtong; Xu, Bing; Chen, Weimin; Yong, Cheng; Wang, Ke; Wu, Qinglin
• Is Part Of: Royal Society open science. Volume 5:Issue 5(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-05-09
• Subjects: wood–plastic composites -- co-extrusion -- light stabilizers -- mechanical property -- anti-UV ageing property; Science -- Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.1098/rsos.180074
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-5703

Abstract

Abstract : Weathering of wood--plastic composites (WPCs) leads to discoloration and cracks, which greatly limits their outdoor application. In this study, light stabilizers (including UV-327, HS-944 and nano-SiO2 ) were added to the shell of a co-extruded high-density polyethylene-based WPC to improve its anti-ultraviolet (UV) ageing properties and simultaneously to maintain its good mechanical properties. The results showed that UV-327 was the most effective light stabilizer for improving the mechanical and anti-UV ageing properties of the composites among the three stabilizers used. WPC samples combined with 2% UV-327 had the highest retention rates in flexural strength and also had the smoothest surface after 2500 h of UV ageing. The samples with 2% UV-327 added had the best protection for discoloration, showing the lowest values of Δ E * (colour difference) and Δ L * (luminescence) in all samples after 2500 h of UV ageing. WPC samples with 2% UV-327 were also oxidized the least after 2500 h of UV ageing. The results reported herein serve to enhance our understanding of the efficiency of light stabilizers in preventing UV degradation of WPCs, with a view to developing co-extruded WPCs with low cost, high anti-UV ageing properties and good mechanical properties for outdoor applications.