A Review on Waste-wood Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composites for Sustainable Development

Abstract

This study reviews the various techniques used in the preparation and processing of waste-wood fibre/particle reinforced polymer matrix composite with special interests on mechanical and structural applications. Polymer composite materials are being used in a wide range of structural applications such as construction, safety wears, aerospace and automotive industries owing to their lightweight, high specific stiffness and strength. A number of materials are being used ranging from lower performance of glass fibre/polyester used in small sail boats and domestic products to high performance of carbon fibre/epoxy systems used in military aircraft and spacecraft. In recent years, many studies have been dedicated to utilize organic fillers such as coconut shell, coir, wood, pineapple leaf, cow bone, palm kernel shell, rice husk. As fillers in order to replace synthetic fillers through utilization of natural fillers or reinforcement in thermoplastic and thermoset polymer composites in an attempt to minimize the cost, manage waste-wood, increase productivity and enhance mechanical properties of composites. Waste-wood as reinforcing fillers in plastics, in place of the previously used inorganic substances and synthetic fibres, offer a major benefit in terms of environmental protection. The benefits offered by waste-wood over synthetic fibres are low densities, non-abrasive, non-toxic, high stiffness and specific properties.