Title
Properties of wood polymer nanocomposites impregnated with melamine formaldehyde-furfuryl alcohol copolymer and nanoclay
Authors
ANKITA HAZARIKA and TARUN K. MAJI

Received May 18, 2015
Published Volume 51 Issue 3-4 March-April
Keywords wood, nanocomposites, characterization, nanoclay

Abstract
Softwood was chemically modified by impregnation with melamine formaldehyde-furfuryl alcohol (MFFA) copolymer, dimethylol dihydroxyethylene urea (DMDHEU) and organically modified nanoclay. A decrease in the crystallinity index value was obtained, as determined by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used for the characterization of the nanocomposites. The nanocomposites (WPNC) showed enhanced dimensional stability, chemical resistance, flame retardancy and higher mechanical properties. The UV resistance property of WPNC increased considerably as judged by the rate of weight loss, carbonyl index, lignin index, crystallinity index values, SEM and mechanical properties.