Optimization Strategies for Improved Performance of Nano-Hybrid Wood/Polymer Composites Through Response Surface Methodology

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the preparation conditions of nano-hybrid wood/polymer composites with montmorillonite (MMT) and furfuryl alcohol (FA). The effects of MMT amount, impregnation pressure and impregnation time on weigh percent gain (WPG) of treated samples were evaluated with Box-Behnken design (BBD) of a 3-level-3-factor from RSM. The predictive model for the response was extremely significant (p < 0.01). The determination coefficient (√R2) and the adjusted determination coefficient (VR2) of this model were 0.9651 and 0.9203, respectively. The optimal preparation conditions obtained by RSM design with the assistance of Design Expert were determined as follows: 4 wt% MMT amount, 0.8 MPa impregnation pressure, and 80 min impregnation time. It could be concluded from the SEM images that MMT and FA coated the cell walls and filled cell lumens. Moreover, the thermal stability was also investigated. The effects of preparation conditions were further validated by analyzing the water uptake ratio (WU), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) of the pristine samples and the treated samples prepared under optimized conditions.