Effect of nanoclay and ZnO on the physical and chemical properties of wood polymer nanocomposite

Wood polymer composite (WPC) was prepared by using solution blended high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, and poly(vinyl chloride) with Phragmites karka wood flour and polyethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate (PE-co-GMA). The effect of addition of nanoclay and ZnO on the properties of the composite was examined. The distribution of silicate layers and ZnO nanopowder was studied by X-ray diffractrometry and transmission electron microscopy. The improvement in miscibility among polymers due to addition of PE-co-GMA as compatibilizer was studied by scanning electron microscopy. WPC treated with 3 phr each of clay and ZnO showed an improvement in thermal stability and UV resistance. Mechanical and flame retarding properties were also enhanced after the incorporation of clay/ZnO nanopowder. Both water and water vapor absorption were found to decrease due to inclusion of nanoclay and ZnO in WPC. (C) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012