Effect of electron beam irradiation on physico-mechanical properties of wood flour-polyethylene composites

Agricultural lignocellulosic fiber (wood flour)-waste was used to prepare composite materials through partial replacement of wood flour with low density polyethylene powder (LDPE) ranged from 10 to 20% by weight; these composites were made with and without electron beam irradiation (EB). The results obtained showed that, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and impact strength increase with increasing content of LDPE up to 20%. While, the percentages of thickness swelling and water absorption are decreased directly with increasing content of LDPE. Furthermore, the EB irradiation improves the physico-mechanical properties of composite materials from 10 to 50 kGy. The results obtained are also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).