Accelerated weathering performance of natural fiber plastic composites and its effect on the efficacy of the maleated anhydride coupling agents.
Published: 2005
Language: eng
Number of pages: 111
Description: One of the issues affecting market expansion of wood/natural fiber plastic composites is related to the performance degradation under weathering conditions. In this study, the effect of accelerated weathering conditions on the composites' performance was examined. Weathering degradation of the bonding strength and the role of coupling agents were also studied.The results showed that exposing the coupling agent for 250 hours alone under UV and UV with water spray did not change the coupling efficiency. The composites with coupling agents had a lower percentage loss in performance after accelerated weathering for 1650 hours.The coupling agents improve the bonding strength, reduce water absorption, and give a higher degree of retention of bonding strength after weathering for 1650 hours. The use of the coupling agents delayed the occurrence of the significant reduction in property and had a lower percentage loss in the bonding strength after 4 weeks of water soaking.
Notes: Advisor: Ning Yan.

Forestry theses.

Thesis (M.Sc.F.)--University of Toronto, 2005.

Electronic version licensed for access by U. of T. users.

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 44-01, page: 0227.

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