Influence of phthalic anhydride as a coupling agent on the mechanical behavior of wood fiber–polystyrene composites

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Abstract
The performance of phthalic anhydride used as a coupling agent in wood fiber‐filled polystyrene composites have been verified by evaluating the mechanical properties of the composites materials. Generally, mechanical properties improved along with the increase in concentrations of the coupling agent as well as wood fiber in the composites up to a certain limit and then decreased at the higher concentrations. The concentrations of phthalic anhydride and fibers which produce maximum improvements in mechanical properties differ with the change in wood species and pulping techniques. Compared to other efficient coupling agents (e.g., isocyanate), phathlic anhydride's performance seemed inferior.