Mechanical and thermal properties of bleached kraft pulp–LDPE composites: Effect of epoxy functionalized compatibilizer

Bleached kraft pulp was grafted with a hydrophobic polymer, i.e. poly (methyl methacrylate), using manganic pyrophosphate as initiator. Composites containing up to 50% of grafted wood pulp with LDPE were prepared and tested for mechanical and thermal properties. A small amount of functionalized LDPE, i.e. poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate), was added to the composite to improve compatibility between the two immiscible phases. The impact strength and tensile strength were considerably improved due to the addition of compatibilizer. SEM micrographs revealed the presence of greater interaction between the two components for compatibilized composites. Thermogravimetric analysis showed greater stability for the compatibilized composites, while DSC studies revealed the lowering of crystallinity for the LDPE phase.