Abstract-Wood polyacrylonitrile composite (WPC) from neem and cork woods were synthesized. The process was carried out through benzoyl peroxide(0.05mol/l) catalyzed impregnation polymerization of acrylonitrile 2mol/l, 4mol/l, 6mol/l into neem and cork woods in benzene medium at 75+-1 0 c.The properties of WPC over untreated wood was evaluated. Loading of PAN into cork woods as ascertained through TGA, DTGA and DTA as well as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was found to increase the resistance against thermo-oxidation of WPCs in comparison to untreated wood. Themogravimteric analysis (TGA) is one of the techniques used to determine the thermal properties of wood.Wood polyacrylonitrile composite (WPC) from, mango and cork wood was synthesized. The process was carried out through benzoyl peroxide (0.05mol\l) catalyzed impregnation polymerization of acrylonitrile, 4mol/l, 6mol\l into cork wood and mango wood in benzene medium at 75+-1 0 c. The properties of WPCs over untreated woods were evaluated in terms of Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) in Nitrogen. Thermo gravimetric analysis were improved with impregnation of polyacrylonitrile. Impregnation of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) into, mango, cork woods were confirmed through scanning electron microscope. In the present research effects have been made to develop such polyacrylonitrile impregnated composites in Benzene medium having improved thermal stability for there commercial exploitation for desirable purposes. # INTRODUCTION ood polymer composites (WPCs) results from the polymerization of liquid monomers already impregnated in wood. In principle WPCs should display super mechanical properties; dimensional stability to chemical degradation and less moisture absorb temperature than non-impregnated wood. A number of wood preservatives developed during those wood treatment processes and are under continuous demands which can develop the modified wood materials with improved mechanical strength, thermooxidative stability and resistance biodegradation for the better outdoor applications. Polymerization of polyacrylonitrile into poplar wood has also been reported and the composites indicated excellent moisture resistance and thermo oxidative stability [1,2]. Author ?: Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, K L University, Guntur, A. P, India. e-mail: mdabid_786@yahoo.co.in Author ?: Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, AU College of Engineering Visakhapatnam-530003, A. P, India. Temperature affects physical, structural properties of wood. Several affects have been made to establish the relationship between temperature and thermal stability of wood [3,4,5,6]. The physical and mechanical properties of wood may be improved by preparing composites of wood with vinyl monomers [7]. Reinforcement of several monomers like styrene, methyl methacrylate has provided substantial thermal stabilities to different types of woods [8,9]. However, since most vinyl monomers are non-polar; there is little interaction between these monomers and hydroxyl groups of the cellulose fibers. Wood, a renewable resource and naturally occurring material abundantly available has a wide range of applications as construction material, pulp, paper, fire board products as well as source of energy and as raw materials for various industrially important chemicals. Considerable work has been done on the modification of wood [10], [11]. Meyer (1981) reported that wood treated with vinyl type monomer followed by curing (radiation or catalyst) significantly improves the moisture resistance, hardness etc. The advantage of impregnation at normal conditions is the large quantities of samples of various sizes and shapes can be conveniently impregnated compared to vacuum impregnation [9]. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) is one of the major thermal analysis techniques used to study the thermal behavior of carbonaceous materials. The rate of weight loss of the sample as a function of temperature and time is measured to predict thermal behavior of the materials. Thermal analysis as TG has become the polymer characterization method the most frequently used. The TGA is particularly more adopted for mass variation study. In this work, we studied the process of degradation of wood poly acrylonitrle composites. Compressive strength of impregnated eucalyptus wood specimens is greater than that of non impregnated ones indicating that monocomponent polyurethane resin can be considered for impregnated impregnating wood [12]. In thermo gravimetric list thermal decompositions of rice husk floor from room temperature to 350 0 C was similar to that of wood floor. Thus rice husk floor was thought to be a substitute for wood floor in agricultural lignocellulosicfiberthermoplastic composites in the aspect of thermal decomposition [13]. Physical and mechanical grown A auriculiformis of three different ages (8,12,13 years) from sirsi, Karnataka indicate that the wood can be used for W Year 2014 ume XIV Issue III Version I tool handles in workshops and factories and agricultural sectors, light packing cases [14]. The mechanical stability of cedar wood samples were increased by using P (AGE/AN), P (AGE/MMA) copolymers. [15]. Polymerization of polymethyl methacrylate and acrylonitite into Block Berry Wood has also been reported and composites indicated excellent wear stability and thermo oxidation stability [16]. Polymerization of acrlonitrile into Indian Cork wood has also been reported and composites indicated excellent compressive resistance and thermal stability [17]. # II. # Experimental Procedure a) Materials All the chemicals and solvents (AR) were purchased from M/S SDFCL Chemicals Ltd; Mumbai. The monomer acrylonitrile was purified by extracting it with aqueous NAOH (10%) to remove inhibitor contents fallowed by repeated washings with distilled water. The fraction at 78 0 C was used for the impregnation polymerization reaction. Other chemicals and solvents were used without further purification. # b) Sample Preparation Wood specimens were prepared as per IS: 1708-1986.The moisture content of wood was deduced according to ASTMD1037-72a and was found to be 12.75%. # c) Impregnation Procedure The Benzene solution of acrylonitrile at concentration of 4M, 6Moles and Benzene solution of benzoyl peroxide at0.05M have also been prepared. Samples were then placed into an impregnation chamber. Extra loads were applied on the samples before impregnation so that no flotation occurs. The appropriate monomer system was then introduced through a dropping funnel and the specimens were left immersed while atmospheric pressure was reached and allowed to stand for up to 24H (ASTMD-1413-61). Treated wood specimens were then wrapped in commercially available Al foil and cured in oven at 95 0 C for 2H to induce the impregnation polymerization reaction. Impregnation of polyacrylonitrile into neem, and cork woods was confirmed through scanning electron microscopy. # Measurement of Loss of Mass a) Charecterization Method The DTG-TGA-DTA examines the process of weight changes as a function of time and temperature and other environmental conditions that may be created that may be created with in the instrument. In its simplest form, TGA measurements are made by heating the sample at constant rate in a prescribed atmosphere. W=f (Tor t). Thermo gravimetric analysis of polymers and their composites were carried out to assess the thermal and oxidation stability of the samples. The equipment specifications are: Model: TG/DTA6200. Temperature range: 5-600 0 C heating rate: 10 0 C/min. The thermal stability of wood and related WPCs are usually measured through simultaneous Differential thermo gravimetry-Thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (DTG-TG-DTA). # b) Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Electron micrographs of Cork wood &their Polyacrolonitrile (PAN) reinforced wood composites were scanned on HITACHI 3400N SEM. The morphologies of composites were studied in view to get a clear understanding about the affinity of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) with their respective woods. IV. # Results and Discussion a) Thermal Analysis of Neem wood poly acrylonitrile composites TG/DTA model thermal analyzer has been employed to study thermo gravimetry analysis of untreated wood and its polyacrylonitrile (PAN) wood composites in the atmosphere of nitrogen. 5 mg-20 mg masses of samples were analyzed. The sample was placed in a little cup made of aluminum hanging from a micro balance. The variation of the mass of the sample cans allows drawing the TG thermo grams. TG scans were exploited to evaluate the range for various decomposition stages electron micro graphs of woods and their reinforced wood composites were scanned on HITACHI 3400N SEM. TG data has been used to study the weight loss in Neem wood and related composites at the various temperatures range 0-600ºC. TG profile indicate the Thermo gravimetric analysis of wood started at 255ºC with -2.6% weight loss. A weight loss in Neem wood was recorded in temperature range 255ºC-314ºC with 15.7% weight loss which was further intensified at 383ºC with 37.4 % weight loss recorded. The first and second DTA endotherms have represented the crystallization temperature T c at 81.7ºC and oxidation temperature T ox at 371.7ºC. Similarly the maximum T max and final T f at decomposition were recorded 79.4ºC and 361.4ºC respectively from DTG endotherms. Thermo gravimetric analysis of Acrylonitrile impregnated wood composites with concentration of 2M started at 255ºC with 2.9% weight loss. A weight loss in Neem wood was recorded in temperature range 255ºC-314ºC with 14.4% weight loss which was further intensified at 383ºC with 45.9% weight loss recorded. The first and second DTA endotherms have represented the crystallization temperature T c at 80.01ºC and oxidation temperature T ox at402.8ºC .Similarly the maximum T max and final T f at decomposition were recorded 77.6ºC and 366.1ºC respectively from DTG endotherms. Thermo gravimetric analysis of Acrlonitrile impregnated wood composites concentration of 4M started at 255ºC with 2.3% weight loss. A weight loss in neem wood was recorded in temperature range 255ºC-314ºC with 15.4% weight loss which was further intensified at 383ºC with 40.1% weight loss recorded. The first and second DTA endotherms have represented the crystallization temperature T c at 72.9ºC and oxidation temperature T ox at 374.5ºC .Similarly the maximum T max and final T f at decomposition were recorded 66ºC and 361.7ºC respectively from DTG endotherms. Thermo gravimetric analysis of Acrlonitrile impregnated wood composites concentration of 6M started at 255ºC with 3% weight loss. A weight loss in Neem wood was recorded in temperature range 255 0 C-314ºC with 16.4% weight loss which was further intensified at 383ºC with 34.9% weight loss recorded. The first and second DTA endotherms have represented the crystallization temperature T c at88.2ºC and oxidation temperature T ox at 352.5ºC .Similarly the maximum T max and final T f at decomposition were recorded 86.7ºC and344.9ºC respectively from DTG endotherms. TG-DTG-DTA-scans were exploited to evaluate the ranges for various decomposition stages. (Graph Fig. 2 to Fig. 13). # b) Thermal Analysis of cork wood poly acrylonitrile composites TG/DTA model thermal analyzer has been employed to study thermogravimetry analysis of untreated wood and its polyacrylonitrile (PAN) wood composites in the atmosphere of nitrogen. 5 mg-20 mg masses of samples were analyzed. The sample was placed in a little cup made of aluminum hanging from a micro balance. The variation of the mass of the sample cans allows drawing the TG thermograms. TG scans were exploited to evaluate the range for various decomposition stages electron micro graphs of woods and their reinforced wood composites were scanned on HITACHI 3400N SEM. TG data has been used to study the weight loss in cork wood and related composites at the various temperatures range 0-600ºC. TG profile indicate the Thermo gravimetric analysis of wood started at 255ºC with 1.4% weight loss. A weight loss in cork wood was recorded in temperature range 255ºC-314ºC with 16.8% weight loss which was further intensified at 383ºC with 36.7 % weight loss recorded. The first and second DTA endotherms have represented the crystallization temperature T c at 71.4ºC and oxidation temperature T ox at 393.3ºC. Similarly the maximum T max and final T f at decomposition were recorded 70ºC and 339.9ºC respectively from DTG endotherms. Thermo gravimetric analysis of Acrylonitrile impregnated wood composites with concentration of 2M started at 255ºC with 2.2% weight loss. A weight loss in cork wood was recorded in temperature range 255ºC-314ºC with 15.0% weight loss which was further intensified at 383ºC with 41.9% weight loss recorded. The first and second DTA endotherms have represented the crystallization temperature T c at 77.1ºC and oxidation temperature T ox at 372.3ºC .Similarly the maximum T max and final T f at decomposition were recorded 74.5ºC and 353.6ºC respectively from DTG endotherms. Thermo gravimetric analysis of Acrlonitrile impregnated wood composites concentration of 4M started at 255ºC with 2.0% weight loss. A weight loss in Cork wood was recorded in temperature range 255ºC-314ºC with 16.1% weight loss which was further intensified at 383ºC with 36.4% weight loss recorded. The first and second DTA endotherms have represented the crystallization temperature T c at 82.4ºC and oxidation temperature T ox at 402.9ºC .Similarly the maximum T max and final T f at decomposition were recorded 77.3ºC and 349.3ºC respectively from DTG endotherms. Thermo gravimetric analysis of Acrlonitrile impregnated wood composites concentration of 6M started at 255ºC with 2% weight loss. A weight loss in cork wood was recorded in temperature range 255 0 C-314ºC with 15.7% weight loss which was further intensified at 383ºC with 37.5% weight loss recorded. The first and second DTA endo therms have represented the crystallization temperature T c at 78.2ºC and oxidation temperature T ox at 400.1ºC. Similarly the maximum T max and final T f at decomposition were recorded 73.2ºC and 351.8ºC respectively from DTG endotherms.TG-DTG-DTA-scans were exploited to evaluate the ranges for various decomposition stages. (Graph Fig. 14 to Fig. 10). # Conclusions Results of these tests demonstrated that the Thermal properties of impregnated wood specimens are greater than that non impregnated ones. It is concluded that thermal data presented in this paper that thermal stability of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Reinforced composites was improved in comparison to untreated neem and cork woods. Scanning microscope (SEM) indicated nonuniform distribution of polyacrylonitrile into wood lumens. It is concluded that observations that thermal stability of low grade woods can incorporated for its vertesile scientific and technological applications by selecting appropriate combinations of the monomer and catalyst along with their respective concentrations. Results of these tests demonstrated that the Thermal properties of impregnated wood specimens are greater than that non impregnated ones. It is concluded that thermal data presented in this paper that thermal stability of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Reinforced composites was improved in comparison to untreated cork and neem woods. Scanning microscope (SEM) indicated non-uniform distribution of polyacrylonitrile into wood lumens. 1![Figure 1 : Polymerization Process](image-2.png "Figure 1 :") 2![Figure 2 : D TG for Untreated neem wood](image-3.png "Figure 2 :") 3![Figure 3 : D TA for Untreated neem wood](image-4.png "Figure 3 :") 4![Figure 4 : TGA for Untreated neem wood](image-5.png "Figure 4 :") 5![Figure 5 : DTG curve for Acrylonitrile of 2 Mconcentrated treated neem wood](image-6.png "Figure 5 :") 8![Figure 8 : DTG curve for Acrylonitrile of 4 Mconcentrated treated neem wood](image-7.png "Figure 8 :") 9![Figure 9 : TGA curve for Acrylonitrile of 4 Mconcentrated treated neem wood](image-8.png "Figure 9 :") 7![Figure 7 : TGA curve for Acrylonitrile of 2 Mconcentrated treated neem wood](image-9.png "Figure 7 :") 13![Figure 13 : DTG curve for Acrylonitrile of 6 Mconcentrated treated neem wood](image-10.png "Figure 13 :") 15![Figure 15 : D TG for Untreated cork wood](image-11.png "Figure 15 :") 1617![Figure 16 : TGA for Untreated cork wood](image-12.png "Figure 16 :Figure 17 :") 18![Figure 18 : DTG curve for Acrylonitrile of 2M concentrated treated cork wood](image-13.png "Figure 18 :") 21![Figure 21 : DTG curve for Acrylonitrile of 4M concentrated treated cork wood](image-14.png "Figure 21 :") 24![Figure 24 : DTG curve for Acrylonitrile of 6M concentrated treated cork wood](image-15.png "Figure 24 :") 26![Figure 26 : Microscopic view of untreated neem wood](image-16.png "Figure 26 :") 27![Figure 27 : Microscopic view poly acrylonitrile affinity](image-17.png "Figure 27 :") 31![Figure 31 : Microscopic view poly acrylonitrile affinity of 2M concentration treated neem wood](image-18.png "Figure 31 :") 32![Figure 32 : Microscopic view poly acrylonitrile affinity of 4M concentration treated neem wood](image-19.png "Figure 32 :") © 2014 Global Journals Inc. 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