Effect of Gamma-Ray on the Physical, Mechanical, Morphological and, Biological durability Properties of WPC Composite

Utilization of ionizing rays like gamma-ray in polymers to correct their properties has attracted so much attention from researchers. Therefore, in this study, polypropylene as the composite matrix, maleic anhydride (MAPP) as the compatibilizer material, and poplar wood as the filler were placed under the radiation of gamma-ray with different doses from 0 to 75 kGy. The white rot fungi (Trametes versicolor) and, brown rot fungi (Gloeophyllum Trabeum) were used in fungal decay test. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the probable benefits of gamma-ray radiation for improvement of some of the composites physical and mechanical properties, and also, to investigate the biodegradation in fungal decay and thermal properties. The results indicates that radiation of gamma-ray improves the physical and mechanical properties of some structures, and the decay resistance of the WPCs against brown and white rot fungus according to their weight losses. The uniformity of the micrographs obtained from the scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicated that the interaction between the polymer and wood fibers.