Abstract: Blends of wood fluor (WF), acetylation wood flour (AWF) with low density polyethylene (LDPE) and polylactic acid (PLA) were produced by twin-screw extruding and injection molding, respectively. Hydrophobicity, rheology, mechanical properties, and morphology of the composites were measured by moisture absorption, contact angle measurement, rotational rheometer, tensile tests and scanning electrical microscope (SEM), respectively. The results showed blending composites of AWF had better hydrophobic performance, and its moisture absorption reduced significantly compared with blending composites of WF. The moisture absorption decreased with the decrease of AWF content in composites, and the contact angle increased. Compared with WF/LDPE composites, AWF/LDPE composites had less viscosity and storage modulus. The viscosity and storage modulus of AWF/LDPE composites decreased with the decrease of AWF. The tensile strength of AWF blend composites was lower than that of WF blend composites, but the elongation at break showed a substantial increase. The results of SEM showed that the compatibility between AWF and plastic matrix was improved, and they adhered and blended more closely.

Key words: acetylated wood flour, composites, hydrophobic properties, rheological properties, mechanical properties