MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD/POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITE REINFORCED WITH TIO2 NANOPARTICLES

ABSTRACT Wood plastic composite was fabricated using high density polyethylene and pine wood fiber. The effect of addition of TiO2 nanoparticles at different weight fractions (0%, 1%, 3%, and 5%) on some properties of the composite was examined. The experimental composites were tested for bending strength, tensile strength, Izod impact strength, thickness swelling, and contact angle. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was also investigated to study the distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles in the composites. The results showed that using TiO2 nanoparticles as a reinforcing agent in wood plastic composites resulted in an increase in the tensile and bending strengths and a decrease the thickness swelling of the composites. The effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on the Izod impact strength of composites was not significant. The results also showed that the contact angle of wood plastic composites was improved by using TiO2 nanoparticles.