Effect of Nanoparticles on Flammability, UV Resistance, Biodegradability, and Chemical Resistance of Wood Polymer Nanocomposite

Wood polymer nanocomposite (WPNC) was developed by using high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), wood flour (WF), polyethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate (PE-co-GMA), and different nanoparticles viz. nanoclay, SiO2, and ZnO. The distribution of nanoparticles was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. The change in surface morphology due to the addition of compatibilizer and nanoparticles was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface modification of nanoparticles by organic surfactant and their interaction with polymer and wood was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The UV resistance property was improved after the incorporation of clay, SiO2, and ZnO. Bacterial degradation of WPC was found to increase linearly with the incorporation of clay and nanoparticles. The degraded samples showed lower mechanical properties. Flame retarding property, chemical resistance, and water vapor resistance were found maximum in WPC loaded with 3 phr each of clay, SiO2, and ZnO.