Effects of EPDM modification on some properties of polypropylene wood flour composite

Abstract

The ethylene-propylene-dien-monomer (EPDM) is a well known elastomer component for modification of polypropylene (PP) impact properties. The subject of this study is the possibility of improving the properties of polypropylene/wood flour (PP/WFL) composites by using EPDM both as a compatibilizer and coupling agent in quantities of 10, 20 and 30% (relative to PP mass). The tensile modulus of elasticity and tensile strength values are increased in the cases of PP/ WFL composites with 10 and 20% of EPDM content, with respect to PP/ WFL control composites. However, in the case of 30% of EPDM content values of these properties decreased. The IZOD impact resistance values are increased for all test composites, but most of all in the case of composite with 30% of EPDM.