Abstract: Maleic anhydride and styrene were grafted from polypropylene via melt reaction, which was confirmed using the IR spectrum. The grafted PP was introduced into PP/wood flour composites in order to improve the mechanical properties. Morphology of impact fractured surface was studied using SEM. It was proved that the interfacial compatibility between PP and wood flour was improved more efficiently by MA/St grafted PP than MA alone grafted PP, thus the resulted mechanical properties of the composites were superior. The grafting degree of PP significantly affected mechanical properties of the composites, with the optimal grafting degree being 2.8%.

Key words: polypropylene, wood powder, melt grafting, compatibility, mechanical property