Effect of Nanoclay Particles on the Physical Properties and Flammability of HDPE/ Wood Flour Composites

In this study, the effect of nanoclay particles content on the physical properties and flammability of composite made of high density polyethylene and wood flour was investigated. For this aim, wood flour was combined with HDPE at 50% by weight, and nanoclay was used in 0, 2, 4 and 6%, also 2% of MAPE as the coupling agent was used in all formulations. The samples were made in injection molding, and physical properties and flammability were tested. Results indicated that water absorption, thickness swelling, burning rate, heat release rate and total smoke production of wood polymer composite decreased with nanoclay loading. However, char residue and ignition time increased by increasing nanoclay particles amount. Also, the morphological study with XRD showed that nanoclay was distributed as intercalation structure in polymer matrix, and the d-spacing of layers decreased with increasing of nanoclay particles content.