A Comparison between Steam and Water Absorption Behavior in Polypropylene-Wood Fiber Compo

In this research, water and steam absorption behavior and also effect of maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) on these behaviors in wood fiber-polypropylene composite were compared. For this purpose, the composites were manufactured from 60% fibers and 40% polypropylene in presence and absence of MA. The oven dried samples with dimensions of 2.5×2.5×1 cm were immersed in distilled water and exposed to water steam. Long-term water and steam absorption and thickness swelling of the composites were studied. The results showed that the composites exposed to water steam exhibited higher water absorption and thickness swelling than those immersed in water. The addition of 2% MA decreased steam and water absorption and thickness swelling in studied composites.