Note on radiation processed wood-plastic materials

Abstract

Specimens of Abies sp. (fir), Pinus longifolia (chir), Vateria indica (vellapine), Dichopsis elliptica (pali) and Mangifera indica (mango) were impregnated with monomers of styrene and methylmethacrylate and irradiated under different conditions. The treated specimens were tested as to their crushing strength, their bending strength and their water absorption. The results first indicate and increase in density due to impregnation. A reduction in moisture absorption and volumetric swelling as compared with untreated controls and increase in crushing strength were observed. The properties varied due to a non-uniform penetration of the polymer. Further experiments on the resistance against degradation by fungi were carried out and respective results are listed and discussed.