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Abstract In this study, Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) with three different ratios of 30%, 50%, and 70% is used to enhance the shape memory and mechanical properties of Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Additionally, morphology, printability, and dynamic thermomechanical analysis are also examined. The thermal test results show that PETG‐ABS compounds have two transition temperatures in the range of 80 and 110 °C, which are related to the components. By changing the weight percentage of PETG from 30 to 70%, three morphologies of matrix‐droplet, sea‐island, and combination of co‐continuous and matrix‐droplet are observed. The results of the mechanical properties show an increase in strength with the increase of ABS, which can be justified due to the higher strength of ABS compared to PETG. The highest tensile strength of 32.48 MPa and 15.16% elongation is obtained for PETG‐ABS(30‐70) and PETG‐ABS(70‐30), respectively. Due to the better shape memory performance of PETG, PETG‐ABS(50‐50) and PETG‐ABS(70‐30) have complete shape recovery, and with the increase of PETG, the shape recovery rate also increased. This diversity in morphology, mechanical properties, and shape memory effect is one of the goals of this research which is well fulfilled.

There are a limited number of thermoplastics with intrinsic shape memory effect (SME) that are four-dimensional (4D) printable. Development of other shape memory polymers (SMPs) entails synthesis with a complicated chemical experimental lab effort. In this paper, for the first time, a novel layered multi-material structure is developed based on a deep comprehension of SMEs’ macromolecular requisites. The fused deposition modeling (FDM) method is used for the four-dimensional printing of layered structures whose base materials show no SME. Commercial acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), toughened ABS-thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blend, and TPU, all with no SME, are used to fabricate bi-layers of ABSTPU blends and TPU with different volumetric proportions. Different thermo-mechanical tests, including dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and constrained and free shape recovery, are conducted. Also, the interfacial properties of the layered 4D printed structure are assessed by the mean of shear testing and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Experimental results reveal that the 4D printed bi-layer composites possess a high level of programmability, SME (90–96%), and perfect interfaces without any porosity and detachment between layers. The results of this research can potentially eliminate the desperate need for SMPs for 4D printing and broaden the opportunity to have smart parts using commercial thermoplastics.

The effect of the chemical treatment of paper mill sludge fibers and polypropylene molecular weight were studied relative to the physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of a novel cellulosic biocomposite. Paper mill sludge fibers were treated with acetic anhydride, and succinic anhydride was mixed with maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) and coupling agent (0 and 3%). The ratio of fibers and polymer materials was considered 30 to 70, which was manufactured by the hot-pressing method at 180 °C. Water absorption, volume swelling, and contact angle were examined on each specimen according to ASTM standards, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) explored the efficiency of chemical modification of fibers and the morphology of biocomposites, respectively. The results showed that chemical treatment of fibers reduced the water absorption and volumetric swelling. Both tensile and flexural strength were increased with chemical treatment using the coupling agent. Comparison of fibers treated with succinic acid and acetic acid showed that the succinic acid enhanced the mechanical properties better than the acetic acid treatment. Finally, FTIR analysis showed that the hydroxyl groups decreased, and SEM images indicated the interface between fibers and polypropylene improved via chemical treatment of sludge fibers.

This study introduces novel PETG–ABS–Fe3O4 nanocomposites that offer impressive 3D- and 4D-printing capabilities. These nanocomposites can be remotely stimulated through the application of a temperature-induced magnetic field. A direct granule-based FDM printer equipped with a pneumatic system to control the output melt flow is utilized to print the composites. This addresses challenges associated with using a high weight percentage of nanoparticles and the lack of control over geometry when producing precise and continuous filaments. SEM results showed that the interface of the matrix was smooth and uniform, and the increase in nanoparticles weakened the interface of the printed layers. The ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased from 25.98 MPa for the pure PETG–ABS sample to 26.3 MPa and 27.05 MPa for the 10% and 15% Fe3O4 nanocomposites, respectively. This increase in tensile strength was accompanied by a decrease in elongation from 15.15% to 13.94% and 12.78%. The results of the shape-memory performance reveal that adding iron oxide not only enables indirect and remote recovery but also improves the shape-memory effect. Improving heat transfer and strengthening the elastic component can increase the rate and amount of shape recovery. Nanocomposites containing 20% iron oxide demonstrate superior shape-memory performance when subjected to direct heat stimulation and a magnetic field, despite exhibiting low print quality and poor tensile strength. Smart nanocomposites with magnetic remote-control capabilities provide opportunities for 4D printing in diverse industries, particularly in medicine, where rapid speed and remote control are essential for minimally invasive procedures.

Abstract In this article, a first of its kind blend of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and biocompatible polycaprolactone (PCL) is introduced by melt mixing and then 3D printed successfully via Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). Experimental tests are carried out on PCL‐PVC blends to assess thermo‐mechanical behaviors, morphology, fracture toughness, shape‐memory effects and printability. Macro and microscopic tests reveal that PVC‐PCL compounds are miscible due to high molecular compatibility and strong interaction. This causes extraordinary mechanical properties specially for PVC‐10 wt% PCL. In addition to the desired tensile strength (45 MPa), this material has a completely rubbery behavior at ambient temperature, and its total elongation is more than 81%. In addition, due to the high formability of PVC‐PCL at ambient temperature, it has capability of being programed via different shape‐memory protocols. Programming tests show that PVC‐PCL blends have an excellent shape‐memory effect and result in 100% shape recovery. SEM results prove a high improvement of PVC printability with the addition of 10 wt% PCL. Toughened PVC by PCL is herein added to the materials library of FFF 3D printers and expected to revolutionize applications of PVC compounds in the field of biomedical 3D and 4D printing due to its appropriate thermo‐mechanical properties, supreme printability, and excellent biocompatibility.

Hypothesis: A nanocomposite layer including graphene nanosheets could be used to enhance the barrier properties of high density polyethylene through a layer-by-layer assembly method. Planar graphene nanoparticles help to decrease the gas permeability of polyethylene substrates by making a tortuous pathway for gas molecules transmittance.Methods: Two different methods were used to increase the barrier properties of high density polyethylene and the results were compared with each other. In the first method, a thin film of polymer nanocomposite including graphene oxide nanoparticles and polyvinyl alcohol was coated on the surface of high density polyethylene film using a film applicator. The effective variables in this method were the weight fraction of graphene oxide particles in polyvinyl alcohol and thickness of the nanocomposite layer. In the second method, a layer-by-layer assembly was used. Chitosan solution acted as a positive charge and graphene oxide suspension in water was utilized as a negative charge.Findings: In high density polyethylene samples coated by polyvinyl alcohol nanocomposite (10 micrometers), the oxygen transmittance rate decreased drastically to 3 cm3m2 bar. This decrease was expected due to the structure of polyvinyl alcohol and its inherent barrier properties. By adding graphene oxide into polyvinyl alcohol, the permeability values showed a slight decrease and reached 0.8 cm3 m2 bar.Statistical analysis based on the surface response method for the layer-by-layer method showed that permeability depends on pH, number of bilayers and graphene concentration. At high pH, the graphene oxide sheets take on a smoother and more stretched shape and are more likely to aggregate, which increases permeability.

Abstract In this research, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with excellent shape‐memory effects is 4D printed via fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. An experimental procedure for successful 3D printing of lab‐made filament from PVC granules is introduced. Macro‐ and microstructural features of 3D printed PVC are investigated by means of wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) techniques. A promising shape‐memory feature of PVC is hypothesized from the presence of small close imperfect thermodynamically stable crystallites as physical crosslinks, which are further reinforced by mesomorphs and possibly molecular entanglement. A detailed analysis of shape fixity and shape recovery performance of 3D printed PVC is carried out considering three programming scenarios of cold (Tg −45 °C), warm (Tg −15 °C), and hot (Tg +15 °C) and two load holding times of 0 s, and 600 s under three‐point bending and compression modes. Extensive insightful discussions are presented, and in conclusion, shape‐memory effects are promising,ranging from 83.24% to 100%. Due to the absence of similar results in the specialized literature, this paper is likely to fill a gap in the state‐of‐the‐art shape‐memory materials library for 4D printing, and provide pertinent results that are instrumental in the 3D printing of shape‐memory PVC‐based structures.

Abstract Unmodified polyvinyl chloride (PVC) has low thermal stability and high hardness. Therefore, using plasticizers as well as thermal stabilizers is inevitable, while it causes serious environmental and health issues. In this work, for the first time, pure food‐grade PVC with potential biomedical applications is processed and 3D printed. Samples are successfully 3D printed using different printing parameters, including velocity, raster angle, nozzle diameter, and layer thickness, and their mechanical properties are investigated in compression, bending, and tension modes. Scanning electron microscopy is also used to evaluate the bonding and microstructure of the printed layers. Among the mentioned printing parameters, raster angle and printing velocity influence the mechanical properties significantly, whereas the layer thickness and nozzle diameter has a little effect. Images from scanning electron microscopy also reveal that printing velocity greatly affects the final part's quality regarding defective voids and rasters’ bonding. The maximum tensile strength of 88.55 MPa is achieved, which implies the superiority of 3D‐printed PVC mechanical properties compared to other commercial filaments. This study opens an avenue to additively manufacture PVC that is the second most‐consumed polymer with cost‐effective and high‐strength features.

In this work, for the first time, PET-G commercial filament is employed for 4D printing of novel tailormade self-morphing samples. PET-G was found to be an amorphous shape memory polymer (SMP) with net points of tight-knitted physical entanglements decelerating the stress relaxation. Physical aging as a novel post-treatment on 4D printed parts is investigated to control the self-morphing and shape memory performance. Printing parameters and programing conditions had a significant effect on the self-morphing behavior as well as shape and stress recovery. Birefringence studies using polarized light microscopy (PLM) revealed that the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process induces a higher pre-strain in the bottom layers than in the top ones, resulting in a downward self-bending. Physical aging improved the yield stress, which was significantly ameliorated for samples with a lower degree of molecular orientation. The sample physically aged for 120 h at 55 °C showed no self-bending like sample printed with ±45 raster angles. It was revealed that lower printing temperatures and higher printing speeds enhance the self-bending and shape recovery characteristics. All shape fixity ratios were higher than 82%, with a maximum of 95.83% for samples printed with ±45 raster angles. The sample with the highest self-bending exhibited the maximum recovered stress of 1.24 MPa. A tenfold increase in load holding time showed a decreased stress recovery ratio by 47% for a programming temperature of 75 °C. Samples programmed at 90 °C exhibited a weak shape memory performance, but did not significantly change the stress recovery ratio at a longer load holding time.

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) have emerged as a promising avenue for developing flexible lithium-ion batteries. However, the low ionic conductivity of polymers remains a primary challenge that has been the subject of intensive research efforts in recent years. In this work, polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinyl alcohol, lithium perchlorate (LiClO4), and graphene functionalized with polyethylene glycol (FGO) have been used to prepare SPE/FGO electrolytes by casting solution technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the reduction of SPE crystals and the increase of amorphous phases. The results demonstrated that the presence of functionalized graphene had an effective role in reducing crystallinity. Furthermore, the thermal and mechanical stability of the samples were corroborated through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile tests, respectively. Notably, the samples exhibited adequate ionic conductivity at room temperature, with the highest ionic conductivity of 5.2 × 10−5 S·cm−1 observed for 2%wt of FGO in SPE (SPE/FGO(2)).

Hypothesis: Polymeric fuel tanks have considerably lighter weight in comparison to metal tanks. However, a drastic reduction in evaporation of gasoline vapor from these fuel tanks is needed. The use of nanoparticles to produce polymeric nanocomposites can be an effective way to reduce the extent of permeability and enhance mechanical and processing properties. The planar nanoclay platelets have a substantial potential in enhancement of barrier properties of polymers. It should be noted that the type of compatibilizer plays a remarkable role in the dispersion state of nanoclay. Methods: Nanocomposite samples were prepared using melt blending method in a twin screw extruder. In order to find the optimized formulation, the effects of nanoclay content, compatibilizer type, compatibilizer content and screw speed were assessed using response surface methodology (RSM). The optimization was performed based on the lowest gas permeability, favorable impact strength and melt flow index.Findings: In general, the increment of nanoclay content led to improvement of the barrier properties, while compatibilizer content had an optimal level. The results of optimization revealed that the sample containing 10 wt% of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene as compatibilizer and 6 wt% of organoclay (Cloisite 20A) possesses the optimum properties. Indeed, this sample showed an optimum balance between different properties and an exfoliated morphology for nanoclay platelets was obtained. On the other hand, although the oxidized polyethylene wax with high viscosity showed the lowest gas permeability, the impact strength and melt flow index were totally undesirable. Nanocomposite samples containing low viscosity oxidized polyethylene wax exhibited the highest gas permeability.

In this study, a new strategy and design for achieving a shape memory effect (SME) and 4D printed two-layer composite structures is unveiled, thanks to fused deposition modeling (FDM) biomaterial printing of commercial filaments, which do not have an SME. We used ABS and PCL as two well-known thermoplastics, and TPU as elastomer filaments that were printed in a two-layer structure. The thermoplastic layer plays the role of constraint for the elastomeric layer. A rubber-to-glass transition of the thermoplastic layer acts as a switching phenomenon that provides the capability of stabilizing the temporary shape, as well as storing the deformation stress for the subsequent recovery of the permanent shape by phase changing the thermoplastic layer in the opposite direction. The results show that ABS–TPU had fixity and recovery ratios above 90%. The PCL–TPU composite structure also demonstrated complete recovery, but its fixity was 77.42%. The difference in the SME of the two composite structures is related to the transition for each thermoplastic and programming temperature. Additionally, in the early cycles, the shape-memory performance decreased, and in the fourth and fifth cycles, it almost stabilized. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs illustrated superior interfacial bonding and part integrity in the case of multi-material 3D printing.

A review study is presented in relation to polymer/graphene nanocomposites. The research works have shown that the graphene can be considered as the strongest material and the hummer’s method is a suitable method for its production. Functionalization by chemical groups compatible with its matrix can enhance dispersion of the nanoparticles within it. The effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the isothermal and non-isothermal crystallization behavior, nucleation and crystal growth is explained. Several contradicting results including both increase and decrease in crystallinity have been reported. The change of electrical conductivity with the addition of graphene and method of determining percolation threshold are presented. The results showed a significant increase in electrical conductivity by incorporation of graphene nanosheets. The mechanical properties of nanocomposites including elastic modulus, elongation-at-break and tensile strength are reviewed. The reported results revealed that modulus increased due to higher modulus of nanoparticles and there was a contradictory result for tensile strength and elongation-at-break. Functionalization of nanosheets could increase the tensile strength of nanocomposites through stronger adhesion between filler and matrix. The thermal conductivity of these nanocomposites and the desirable method for measurement of thermal conductivity constant are discussed. The results showed that graphene nanoplatelets are less effective in enhancing thermal conductivity in comparison to electrical conductivity. The rheological properties of nanocomposites were affected by addition of nanosheets and the obtained rheological percolation threshold was different from the electrical one. The lower electrical percolation in comparison to rheological one means electrical threshold is obtained from direct contact of nanoparticles.

Hypothesis: Due to the unique properties of shape memory polymers (SMPs) including low density, good price, high deformability, reproducibility, molecular tailoring and good processing many applications have found for these materials in different fields. Shape memory properties of the nanocomposite samples based on polyurethane/graphene nanoplatelet (GNp) were investigated. The improvement in performance of SMPs by adding graphene nanoplatelet is the main hypothesis of this study.Methods: At first, two types of polyurethane were synthesized using different formulations (for obtaining the samples with different hard segments) and then nanocomposites samples including GNp were produced through solution method. Two different polyurethanes with hard segment contents of 23.9% and 24.4% were synthesized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), shape fixity and shape recover values of the samples (as indices of shape memory properties) were employed to characterize the synthesis of polyurethane and performance of shape memory behavior of the nanocomposites. Finding: The FTIR spectra showed that the formation of polyurethane was successfully accomplished. The SEM micrographs confirmed the good dispersion of nanoparticles in the matrix and there were no agglomerations and aggregation of particles. No characteristics peaks (crystallization and melting peaks) were observed in DSC thermograms for samples based on toluene di-isocyanate which means the synthesized polyurethane was fully amorphous without crystalline and regular regions. While the samples based on hexamethylene di-isocyanate showed the regular and crystalline regions. Shape fixity and shape recover values of the samples were in the range of 70-90%. These indices were increased by GNp addition.

Hypothesis: Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are intelligent materials that can be set into temporary shape and return to their permanent (original) shape when an external stimulus is applied. Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) is a low cost biopolymer. However, its use in biomedical applications, especially as an SMP, is limited due to its low modulus and strength. On the other hand, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a biodegradable polymer with robust structure. Hence, blending of these two polymers can improve mechanical properties as well as shape memory behavior of PVAc.Methods: a series of shape memory materials were prepared through blending of PVAc and PLA through solution mixing method using chloroform as solvent. Findings: Microstructure of the prepared samples studied by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), indicated that the components of the blends were favorably compatible. Moreover, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and tensile test showed that the blending of these compatible biopolymers led to improvement in tensile strength and modulus of PVAc. Finally, the shape memory experiments revealed that the PVAc/PLA blends exhibited improved shape memory behavior as compared with their parent polymers. For instance, by incorporation of 30 wt% PLA into PVAc, the shape recovery increased from 75.4 to 91.5%. The improvement in the shape recovery was assigned to higher stored elastic energy in the blends as compared with that in neat polymers, which provided a larger driving force for corresponding quick and almost complete shape recovery. This procedure may open an avenue to fabricate SMPs through a simple blending method to be applied in different biomedical areas.

The effects of the amount of nanographene on physical, mechanical, and thermal properties and morphology of the wood-plastic composites were investigated. This wood-plastic was made using recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE), nanographene, and wood flour. Four weight levels, 0, 0.5, 1.5, or 2.5 wt.% of nanographene, were combined with 70% polymeric matrix and 30% lignocellulosic material with an internal mixer. The results showed that by increasing the amount of nanographene up to 0.5% by weight, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, and notched impact strength of the composite increased. After adding 2.5 wt.% nanographene, these properties were reduced. By increasing the amount of nanographene, both the amount of residual ash and the thermal stability increased. Study of the images from scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed that the samples containing 0.5% of nanographene had less pores and were smoother than other samples.

In this research, high oxygen-barrier films were organized based on low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/ ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH)/ polyethylene-grafted maleic anhydride (LDPE-g-MA) compatibilizer. The effects of 10–30 wt. % EVOH and 0–10 wt. % LDPE-g-MA loadings on the properties of final films were evaluated. The morphology of specimens was observed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Oxygen transfer rate (OTR) results revealed that the addition of EVOH up to 30 wt. % to neat LDPE could significantly decrease oxygen permeability. The LDPE-g-MA which increased the permeability needed to be fine-tuned its amount based on the EVOH loading in different samples. The experimental results revealed that the addition of 30 wt. % EVOH to the LDPE matrix without adding LDPE-g-MA gave the best oxygen barrier properties. Elastic modulus and tensile strength increased with incorporation of EVOH and LDPE-g-MA into the polyethylene matrix. On the other hand, elongation-at-break decreased with the addition of EVOH and increased with the introduction of compatibilizer to the samples. Incorporation of EVOH and LDPE-g-MA into the LDPE matrix and increasing their amounts led to higher storage modulus and zero shear rate viscosity, but lowered the frequency value at the intersection point of storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G''). The only exception was that in the samples without compatibilizer, the increase in the EVOH content resulted in a lower zero shear rate viscosity and a higher frequency value at the intersection point of G' and G''.

Nanocomposites based on polyamide 6 (PA6) and poly(ethylene-co-1-butene)-graft-maleic anhydride (EB-g- MAH) blends have been prepared via melt mixing. The effect of blend ratio and organoclay concentration on the crystallization and melting behavior of specimens were studied. Three types of commercial organo-modified clay (Cloisite 30B, Cloisite 15A and Cloisite 20A) were employed to assess the importance of the nanoclay polarity and gallery distance. The crystallization behavior was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (WAXD). The strong interactions between amine end groups of PA6 and maleic anhydride groups of EB-g-MAH led to complete inhibition of EB-g-MAH crystallization according to the DSC results. A transformation from the α form to the γ form crystals of PA6, induced by both organoclays and EB-g-MAH, was monitored by WAXD and DSC. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to evaluate the morphology of nanocomposites. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was conducted to determine the location of organoclays and indicated that the organoclays mainly present in the PA6 matrix and rarely distribute in the EB-g-MAH phase in the case of low polarity organoclays. It was also evidenced that the organoclay with the most affinity to PA6 (Cloisite 30B) had the largest effect on the thermal and crystallization behavior of this phase in the blend.

The effects of acetylation of wood flour with vinylacetate and the content of Maleic Anhydride Polypropylene (MAPP) coupling agent before compounding were evaluated relative to water absorption and thickness swelling. Hot water was used to extract materials of sawdust fir flour before acetylation. Fir flour was successfully acetylated using vinylacetate (VA) in the presence of potassium carbonate. The modification was confirmed by the weight percent gain (18.8%) and Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The acetylated or control wood flour was mixed with MAPP coupling agent (0, 3, & 6 wt%) at 60 rpm and 160 °C, followed by extrusion. The wood plastic composite (WPC) was made by hot pressing at 200 °C and 25 MPa for 5 min. Specimens were exposed to white-rot decay for 16 weeks. In addition to the weight loss due to fungal treatment, water absorption, thickness swelling, and contact angle of the acetylated and decayed samples was investigated. Increasing the percentage of MAPP was found to decrease the percentage of weight loss, water absorption, and thickness swelling in all of the samples. In contrast, increasing the MAPP percentage increased the contact angle in all samples. The SEM micrographs revealed that the bonding between fibers and polymeric material was improved and strengthened by MAPP addition.

Hybrid composites of polyethylene/wood flour/nanoclay with different concentrations of nanoclay were fabricated using melt compounding followed by injection molding. Composites were weathered in a xenon-arc type accelerated weathering apparatus for 2000 h. Physical properties of the composites were evaluated by colorimetery and water absorption before and after weathering. Changes in surface chemistry were monitored using spectroscopic techniques. The results indicated that water absorption of the composites increased after weathering, but nanoclay can reduce the intensity of weathering to some extent by decreasing water absorption. Weathering increased the degree of color change and lightness of the samples; however, the lightness of the samples containing nanoclay was less than that of neat wood-plastic composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed a lower carbonyl index of composites containing nanoclay. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed that the nanocomposites formed were intercalated. The order of intercalation for samples containing 2 wt% nanoclay was higher than that of 4 wt% at the same maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene content, due to some agglomeration of the nanoclay.

Wood plastic composites have received increasing attention during the last decades, because of many advantages related to their use. However the durability of Wood plastic composites after ultraviolet exposure has become a concern. In this research, hybrid nanocomposites of polyethylene and woodflour with different concentrations of nanoclay were fabricated using melt compounding followed by injection molding. Specimens were exposed for 2000 h to ultraviolet radiation and moisture cycling in a laboratory weathering device to simulate the effects of exposure to sunlight and rain. Physical and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were evaluated, before and after weathering. The results indicated that the water absorption of wood plastic composites increased after weathering but nanoclay reduced the intensity of weathering to some extent, through decreasing of water absorption. Also results showed that weathering decreased modulus of elasticity values, however good dispersion of clay layers resulted in fewer drop of modulus of elasticity values. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that lowest carbonyl index is related to the nano wood plastic composites with 2wt% nanoclay. Also X-Ray diffraction patterns revealed that intercalation morphology has been formed for nano particles.

Recently, the use of nanoparticles in Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs) has been considered by researchers. In this study, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) were compounded with PVC, wood-flour, and foaming agent in an internal mixer. The wood flour amount was constant at 40 phr. For CNT and chemical foaming agent , different levels of 0, 1, 2 phr and 0, 3, 6 phr were considered respectively. The samples were foamed via batch process using a compression molding machine at 180°C. Morphology, density, water absorption, thickness swelling, and tensile properties of foamed composites were evaluated as a function of CNT and chemical foaming agent contents. The experimental results indicated that in the presence of CNT, cell density increased and cell size decreased. Density of the foamed composites was not affected by chemical foaming agent contents. Water absorption and thickness swelling of samples were decreased as compared with wood plastic composite without CNTs. Also, the maximum tensile strength and modulus were increased by up to 20% and 23% respectively