EFFECT OF CORONA MODIFICATION ON THE MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF POLYPROPYLENE CELLULOSE COMPOSITES

The effect of various corona treatment conditions on the mechanical properties of cellulose fibers/polypropylene composites was studied. The cellulose fibers and polypropylene were modified using a wide range of 'corona treatment levels and concentrations of oxygen. The treatment level of the fibers was evaluated using the electrical conductance of their aqueous suspensions. The mechanical properties of composites obtained from different combinations of treated or untreated cellulose fibers and polypropylene were characterized by tensile stress-strain measurements; they improved substantially when either the cellulose fibers alone or both components were treated, although composites made from untreated cellulose fibers and treated polypropylene showed a relatively small improvement. The results obtained indicate that dispersive forces are mostly responsible for the enhanced adhesion. The relationship between the electrical conductance of the fibers, the mechanical properties, and the mechanism of improved adhesion is discussed. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.