Interfacial effect of surface modified TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles reinforcement in the properties of wood polymer clay nanocomposites

In this paper, surface modification and characterization of TiO2, SiO2 nanoparticles and their role on the physical properties of wood styrene acrylonitrile/nanoclay composites were investigated. Simul wood (Bombex ceiba L.) was used for preparation of wood polymer nanocomposites by impregnation of intercalating mixture of styrene acrylonitrile co-polymer (molar ratio 2:3) and combination of nanofillers TiO2, SiO2 and nanoclay. For the improvement in nanoparticles dispersion and increasing possible interactions among nanoparticles, polymer matrix and wood, the surface of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles was modified with γ-methacryloyloxy trimethyl silane, a silane coupling agent. The characterization of the composites was done by using FT-IR, XRD, and TGA studies. The exfoliation of nanoclay and the homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles in SAN polymer matrix on cell wall of wood was studied by TEM. The flexural, tensile properties were improved. UV stability was evaluated by photo-induced weight loss (%), FTIR, loss in mechanical properties, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The resultant wood polymer nanocomposites (WPNC) exhibited an improvement in hardness. The overall improvement in properties has been achieved for the wood/SAN sample treated with 0.5% each of TiO2, SiO2 and nanoclay.

► γ-trimethoxy silyl propyl methacrylate was used for surface modification of TiO2 and SiO2 nanoparticles.
► Styrene acrylonitrile copolymer with TiO2, SiO2 and nanoclay were impregnated into Simul wood.
► Thermostability of wood polymer composite was improved.
► The mechanical behavior of wood was markedly improved on treatment.
► TiO2 incorporation enhanced UV stability of wood composite.