Mechanical and Physical Properties of Wood-Plastic Composite Panels

Abstract

In this research wood-plastic composite (WPC) panels were produced from high density polyethylene, MDF, and particle-board waste at 60, 70, and 80 wt% fiber loadings using the dry blend/hot press method. Physical and mechanical properties of the panels were studied and compared with conventional MDF and particle-board panels. The results indicated that the studied properties of the composites were strongly affected by the kind and proportion of the wood fiber and polymer. Maximum values of the flexural modulus of the WPC panels were reached at 70% fiber content. The flexural strength and impact strength of the WPC panels declined when fiber content increased from 60 to 80%. The flexural modulus of the WPC panels was lower than that of the virgin MDF panels but the flexural modulus of the composites with 70% fibers was close to that of particle-board panels. Flexural strength of MDF panels was noticeably higher than those of wood-plastic composites whereas the flexural modulus of particle-board panels was comparable to that of the wood-plastic composites at 80% fiber content. Furthermore, water uptake of wood-plastic samples increased with the increase in fiber content; however, it was relatively low compared with virgin MDF and particle-board panels.