ABSTRACT
In the case of raw materials, numerous tables and figures are used to illustrate the important differences and properties relevant from wood fiber composite perspective. The different species of wood and their compositional differences and the relative importance of these are discussed. In the case of polymers, the importance of molecular weights in relation to properties and processability is discussed. An overview of different coupling agents is also provided. In addition, the inter dependencies between the material properties and processing are also discussed. The processing of wood fiber composites is discussed at length and highly detailed information is provided. Process windows for different process technologies, their limiting issues, and methods of characterizing these processes are also discussed. Process technologies include extrusion, compounding, injection molding, and compression molding.
