PERFORMANCE OF TREATED HYBRID FIBER-REINFORCED THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITES UNDER EXTREME CONDITIONS .1. USE OF MICA AND WOOD PULP AS HYBRID FIBER

The compatibility of hybrid cellulose fiber/mica and polystyrene was verified by evaluating the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of the composites after being exposed to various environmental conditions, e.g. exposure to boiling water for 24 h and to heat at + 105°C for 5 days as well as at a subzero temperature (e.g. -20°C). Properties of non-treated cellulose fiber/mica-filled composites were compared with those of isocyanate and silane-coated cellulose fiber/mica-filled composites. Treated cellulose/mica-filled composites offered superior mechanical properties and dimensional stability under most of the extreme conditions in comparison with those of non-treated cellulose fiber/mica-filled composites, and even with those of the original polymer. This indicates that there might be a good interfacial contact among the cellulose fiber, mica and polystyrene. © 1990.