Effect of nano-SiO2 on properties of wood/polymer/clay nanocomposites

Wood polymer nanocomposites (WPNC) based on nano-SiO2 were prepared by impregnation of styrene acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN), SiO2 nanoparticles modified with γ-trimethoxy silyl propyl methacrylate (MSMA), and nanoclay into wood. The structure of modified SiO2 nanoparticles and WPNC was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD analysis showed the delaminated structure of SAN/SiO2/clay-treated wood composites. The synergistic effect of nano-SiO2 and nanoclay was investigated. Thermal stability of SiO2 nanoparticles decreased after modification, while that of wood treated with SAN, SiO2, and nanoclay improved. Morphological characteristics were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical properties, water uptake (%), dimensional stability, hardness, and flammability were found to improve due to incorporation of SiO2 and nanoclay into wood polymer composites. Maximum improvement in properties was observed in the wood polymer composites containing SiO2 and nanoclay at the ratio of 1:1.