Microcellular Wood Fiber Reinforced PP Composites: Cell Morphology,Surface Roughness,Impact,and Odor Properties

Abstract

This article presents the investigations on the cell morphology, surface roughness, impact properties, and odor concentration of microcellular wood fiber reinforced PP composites in injection molding process with different chemical foaming agents. The chemical foaming agent and wood fiber content strongly affect the microcellular structures of wood–PP composites. Microcells' morphology (cell size, shape, and distribution) is investigated using optical light and scanning electron micrographs. Charpy impact strength, impact resistance, and damping index of the composites are influenced by different chemical foaming agent types and content. The odor concentration and surface roughness significantly improved due to microfoaming.

Keywords

microcellular wood–PP composite chemical foaming agent injection molding process cell morphology surface roughness impact odor

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