Abstract: The effects of chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) on the rheological properties of foamed wood-flour/PVC composites were investigated via small amplitude oscillatory rheological measurement using a rotary rheometer. The complex viscosity (η*) of the melt sample decreased with the increasing angular frequency (ω) in range of 0.1~100 rad/s, exhibiting a typical "shear thinning". Loss modulus( G〞)and storage modulus( G′ )of the melt increased with increasing ω. Gelation of PVC in composites was promoted by adding 5phr CPE to the system, in which G〞and η* of the melt increased with increasing ω, and G′ showed little change. As the contents of CPE increased to 10phr, G′, G〞and η* of the composites melt decreased. With increasing ω, elastic response of melt became stronger, therefore tanδ decreased. For the composites containing CPE 10phr, the impact strength of solid composites increased 20 %.

Key words: foaming, chlorinated polyethylene, composite, impact strength, wood-flour, poly(vinyl chloride), rotary rheometer, rheological behavior