Composites Based on Iroko Wood Flour Stabilized Using High Density Polyethylene Resin Recovered: 1. Mechanical Properties

Abstract

Nowadays, waste management has become one of the major priorities for the protection of ecosystems. Among these wastes, those of plastic origin require particular importance. As an alternative solution to this problem, this waste is reused for other purposes such as the development of new materials. The work presented proposes, on the one hand, to develop a composite based on Iroko wood flour stabilized by high density polyethylene resin (Hdpe) and, on the other hand, to measure its mechanical characteristics. To do this, resin mass contents varying from 10 to 60% were mixed with the flour to obtain composites according to a well-defined method. The variation of these mechanical properties has been studied as a function of the proportions of the binder. The measurements carried out related to the behavior in compression, in flexion and in traction. It appears that the mechanical strengths increase for high levels of binder. In addition, for each resin content, the composite has an increasingly resistant behavior in compression than in traction and in flexion. For example, for 60% of Hdpe, the strengths are equal to 23.95 MPa in compression, 18.22 MPa in tension and 13,17 MPa in flexion. However, from 50%, the material adopts an increasingly stable behavior. In addition, it becomes more ductile and deformable as the binder content increases. The use of the proposed method is an alternative for the management of the waste.