Studies on electrical properties of wood polymer composites based on agro-waste and novolac

In the present work, wood polymer composites from agro-waste (banana, hemp, and agave fibers) and novolac resin were prepared. Banana, hemp, and agave fibers were treated with novolac resin for the formation of their composites in the different ratios of 60:40, 55:45, 50:50, 45:55, and 40:60 (wt/wt). These fibers were also treated with maleic anhydride and the effect of maleic anhydride was studied on surface resistivity and volume resistivity of wood polymer composites. The maximum surface and volume resistivity is found in maleic anhydride treated and untreated banana fiber composite, respectively. The treatment of maleic anhydride improves the surface resistivity of respective fiber composites. Maleic anhydride treated banana fiber composite shows maximum surface resistivity while untreated agave fiber composite shows minimum surface resistivity.