Effect of Natural Weathering on Performance of Wood Flour-Recycled Polypropylene Composites

Abstract

In this study, the effect of natural weathering on the physical and mechanical properties of wood plastic composites (WPC) made from virgin and recycled polypropylene (PP) was studied. To prepare the recycled PP, virgin PP was thermo-mechanically degraded by extrusion under controlled conditions in a single-screw extruder at a router speed of 60 rpm and temperature of 190 °C. PP (virgin and recycled), wood flour, compatibilizer, and UV absorbent were physically blended, and the samples were manufactured by a twin-screw extruder. The samples were exposed to natural weathering for 270 days. The surface characteristics of the samples were investigated before and after weathering. According to the results, the composites from recycled PP exhibited a higher weathering resistancethan those from virgin PP. The use of a UV absorber improved the flexural strength and modulus of the composites, but it could not significantly prevent the flexural properties loss and discoloration of the composites after weathering.