| abstract |
Cellulosic fibers were pre-treated with maleic anhydride or phthalic anhydride in the presence of an intitiator to improve the bonding and dispersibility of the fibers in the polymer matrix. High density polyethylene (HDPE) was filled with chemically treated chemithermomechanical pulp (CTMP) and wood flour. Composites of HDPE-pre-treated wood fibers, characterized at different fiber ratios, produced superior mechanical properties than the untreated fiber composites. These composites can be compression or injection molded to produce useful articles. |