Effect of nano zinc oxide on physical and mechanical properties of wood plastic composites

In this study, the effects of nano zinc oxide on the physical and mechanical properties of wood-polyethylene composites were investigated. The composites containing 0, 1, 2 and 4 wt% zinc oxide nanoparticles were manufactured using an internal mixer and a laboratory press and then the flexural and tensile properties, hardness, water absorption and thickness swelling of the samples were evaluated. The obtained results showed that using 2 and 4 percent nano zinc oxide significantly reduced the flexural strength, flexural modulus and tensile strength. The results also revealed that the hardness and tensile modulus of composites were negatively affected by loading 4 percent nano zinc oxide. The evaluation of physical properties showed that incorporating nano zinc oxide (2 and 4 %) increased thickness swelling. In the case of water absorption, just 4 percent nano zinc oxide increased the values.