Abstract
In wood–polymer composites (WPCs), regardless of the origin of the filler and its dimensions, their significant role in changing the properties of the WPCs’ material was found. Given the above, it is of particular importance to determine the size of the wood filler particles after their production. In addition, it is also important to determine the degree of distribution of the filler in the polymer matrix. The methodology for determining particle size and distribution is complex, even when using image analysis computer systems. This article presents the application and implementation of the multi-stage procedure for determining the size of wood particles and the degree of their distribution in the WPCs by means of image analysis using a numerical calculation program. The procedure, co-authored by the researchers at the Koszalin University of Technology and School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, is published in the Industrial Crops and Products 2016 Comparing the results obtained for the PP/Lignocel 3-4 and PP/Lignocel C120 composites produced under highly different conditions in the target zone, it was found that the degree of the component distribution in the polymer matrix was significantly influenced by the width of the target gap. In both cases, the best homogeneity of the material and a good distribution of the filler in the polymer matrix was achieved within the parameters that have a mild effect on the material and allow it to stay longer in the plasticizing system, i.e., Ws = 1.0–3.0 mm with simultaneous impact medium to high speed in the range n = 26–40 rpm.
Highlights
The production of wood–polymer composites (WPCs) is currently at the level of over 1.5 million tonnes worldwide
This finding is important in the case of materials reinforced with fillers and in the case of single-material composites referred to as monopolymer composites (MPCs) or single-polymer composites (SPCs) where the material exists in two different forms [8]
Analyzing the WPCs with a fraction of wood flour (PP/Lignocel C120) obtained under conditions of short-term, intense shear-mixing interaction, where the shear rate was approximately 800 s−1, many clearly visible large clusters of wood flour accumulating in the form of agglomerates of various sizes were found (Figure 6a)
Summary
The production of wood–polymer composites (WPCs) is currently at the level of over 1.5 million tonnes worldwide (according to the German Nova-Institute). It was found that the properties of the obtained polymer composites depend on their composition and on the size and form of individual components used for their preparation [1,2,3,4,5,6,7]. This finding is important in the case of materials reinforced with fillers and in the case of single-material composites referred to as monopolymer composites (MPCs) or single-polymer composites (SPCs) where the material exists in two different forms [8]. The wood fraction may consist of hardwood, softwood, or mixed pieces of different origins (softwood or hardwood) in the case of recycled wood
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