Effect of different polypropylene grades and coupling agent on the properties of Wood Plastic Composites

By utilizing three different grades of Polypropylene (PP) as matrix, two different kind of MAPP as coupling agent and without MAPP and Pistachio's flour, composite samples were produced. Physical and mechanical properties of wood plastic composites including: MOR, MOE, tensile strength, bending strength, impact strength, hardness, water absorption and thickness swelling (816 hours) were determined. Results indicated that the effect of different grade of polypropylene and coupling agent on water absorption, thickness swelling, hardness and impact strength variables were insignificant. Use of Polypropylene having higher Melt Flow Index (MFI) leads to increase in mechanical properties of wood plastic composite samples such as Bending and Tensile strength even if coupling agent wasn't used. Use of different kind of MAPP as coupling age in making wood plastic composites can result in better mechanical properties which based on their type have different effect