Abstract
The effect of steam-exploded wood flour(SE) added to wood flour/plastic composite with high wood contents was examined using SE from wood residue and four kinds of thermoplastic polymers. Composite boards were manufactured by two processing procedures; compression molding and twin screw extrusion molding. The addition of SE increases the fracture strengths and water resistance of the composite boards made by compression molding to an extent dependent on the polymer species and the compositions of wood/SE/polymer. Water resistance of the boards from extrusion molding were improved by the addition of SE. The mechanical properties of boards by twin screw extrusion molding were superior to those of board by compression moldmg.
