Studies on swelling properties of wood/polymer composites based on agro-waste and novolac

In the present work the natural and maleic anhydride esterified fibers of banana, hemp, and sisal are used as reinforcers in novolac resin in the ratio of 40:60 (wt/wt), respectively Absorption of water and steam in these wood/polymer composites is studied. The absorption of water increases with increase in time from 2 to 30 h in all fiber composites tested. Amongst all the composites, the maximum absorption of water is found in hemp fiber composite and the minimum in maleic anhydride treated sisal fiber composite. The maleic anhydride esterified fiber composite shows less absorption of water than the untreated fiber composites. Amongst all six composites, steam absorption is maximum in untreated hemp fiber composite and minimum in maleic anhydride treated banana fiber composite. Steam absorption in maleic anhydride treated fiber composites is higher than the water absorption in respective fiber composites. Untreated fiber composites show more absorption of steam in comparison to maleic anhydride treated fiber composites. (C) 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.