Effects of Natural Weathering on A Wood Fiber/HDPE Composite and Application of Additives

This article discussed the changes in color and chemical components on the surfaces of wood flour(WF)/high density polyethylene(HDPE) composite used outdoor in different orientation.Light stabilizer,antioxidant,and iron oxide red were introduced to reduce the changes when exposed to accelerate ultraviolet aging.The results showed that WF/HDPE composite changed significantly in color after only one month natural weathering in hot summer,especially for those facing to south and east orientation.FTIR test showed CO increased and wood index decreased.Compared to photostabilizer and antioxidant,iron oxide red pigment reduced color change more significantly.However,neither of these additives could obviously prevent flexural properties decreasing.