Rubberwood-polymer composites containing poly(methyl methacrylate-co-acrylamide) and poly(methyl methacrylate-co-2-ethylhexyl acrylate)

Abstract

This research involved the preparation of rubberwood-polymer composites by impregnation under reducing pressure with 2 types of monomer mixtures, which were methyl methacrylate/acrylamide (MMA/AM) and methyl methacrylate/2-ethylhexyl acrylate (MMA/2-EHA). Impregnation conditions such as evacuating time and soaking time were studied. The effect of benzoyl peroxide used as an initiator and the ratio of monomers that would have some effects on the physical and mechanical properties of impregnated samples were investigated. The results were compared to those of untreated rubberwood and two hardwoods including teak and redwood. The results showed that the optimum preparation parameters were 2 hours evacuating time, 4 hours soaking time, and 2% benzoyl peroxide. Impregnated samples containing MMA/AM gave low polymer loading at 22.04-30.56%, but MMA/2-EHA gave higher polymer loading at 56.68-60.00%. Water absorption was increased with increasing the ratio ofAM and 2-EHA. For the mechanical properties of WPC with MMA/AM, the MOE, flexure stress, and compression were highest 80:20 ratio, which were 7992.7 MPa, 125.25 MPa, and 70.99 N/mm2, respectively. When MMA/2-EHA was used, the MOE, flexure stress, and compression were highest at 20:80, 20:80, and 80:20 ratios which were 8699 MPa, 130.24 MPa, and 77.36 N/mm2, respectively