The thermo-oxidative durability of polyethylene reinforced with wood-based fibres

Abstract

Accelerated thermo-oxidative ageing of polyethylene reinforced with wood-based cellulose was studied. Materials were prepared by extrusion mixing of un-stabilized and stabilized polyethylene reinforced with 5 and 20 volume % cellulosic content. The materials were extruded into stripes, then aged at 90 °C in circulating air. The ageing of up to 31 days was assessed mainly by oxidation induction time and mechanical properties in tension. The results obtained indicated small effects of the accelerated thermo-oxidative ageing performed for stabilized composites.