The use of silane technology in crosslinking polyethylene/wood flour composites

In this study, the use of silane technology in crosslinking polyethylene-wood flour composites have been investigated. Composites were produced in a one-step process using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder. The composites were stored in a sauna and at room temperature to study the effect of humidity on the degree of crosslinking. Crosslinked composites showed improved toughness and creep properties compared to non-crosslinked composites. The flexural modulus, on the other hand, was lower in the crosslinked samples than in the noncrosslinked ones. FTIR was used to study the crosslinking reaction in the samples. X-ray mapping of the silicon signal was also performed to locate the silane in the composites. This study provides a basis for proposing, that part of the silane is grafted onto polyethylene and wood thereby creating a crosslinked network in the matrix with chemical bonds (covalent and hydrogen bonding) to wood. The other part of the silane remains un-reacted and blends into the system. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.