Mechanical properties of rubber wood-polyacrylate composites

Abstract

This research involves the preparation of rubber wood-polyacrylate composites from 3 types of acrylate monomer such as 2-hydroxy-propylacrylate, butylacrylate and 2-ethylhexylacrylate by impregnation of rubber wood with monomer under reduced pressure then subsequent polymerization by catalyst-heat treatment. Results of this study showed that the suitable condition in the preparation of impregnated samples of 2-HPA was 2 phr. benzoyl peroxide in prepolymer solution, 1 hour evacuating time and 4 hours soaking time and the suitable condition in the preparation of impregnated samples of BA was 2 phr. benzoyl peroxide, 2 hours evacuating time and 4 hours soaking time. The suitable condition in the preparation of impregnated samples of 2-EHA was 1 phr. benzoyl peroxide, 2 hours evacuating time and 4 hours soaking time. Impregnated samples obtained from the optimum conditions gave the lowest water absorption at 22.63%, which was lower than natural rubber wood. Moreover, Mechanical properties were improved. They gave modulus of elasticity at about 7013-8412 MPa, flexure stress at about 117.6-130.3 MPa and compression parallel to grain at about 63.63-75.02 N/mm2. The morphology of the composites was examined using scanning electron microscopy.