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6762737 
Journal Article 
Efficiency of reinforcing materials in filled polymer composites 
Simonsen, J; , 
1997 
1 
Forest Products Journal
ISSN: 0015-7473
EISSN: 2376-9637 
FOREST PRODUCTS SOC 
MADISON 
47 
1 
74-81 
English 
WOS:A1997WE71000020 
The rule of mixtures was used as the basis for the development of a simple mathematical model that allows comparison of the efficiency of stiffness reinforcement by fillers in a filled plastic composite. Based on an estimate for the stiffness of the wood fiber, a reinforcement efficiency factor is deduced from experimental data on filled polymer composites through the use of a curve-fitting algorithm. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer systems were used as the matrix phases. Fillers studied were glass fiber, straw flour, thermomechanical pulp, and wood flour. Theory suggests that an improvement in stiffness of a factor of approximately two to four may be possible, depending upon the system. The simple theory considered here is not helpful in comparing ultimate stress (or strength) values among different filled polymer systems. Wood-reinforced styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers were stronger than wood-filled polystyrene systems.