Development of natural fiber reinforced thermoplastic bonded hybrid wood veneer composite

Abstract

This study aimed at preparing thermoplastic based hybrid wood veneer composite panels in which bamboo fiber reinforced thermoplastic (BPC) was used in granular form as one component and Melia dubia wood veneers as the second component. BPC was prepared using twin screw extruder and maleated polyethylene/ maleated polypropylene as a coupling agent. The effect of polymer type i.e., polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and poly butylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) and bamboo fiber content (10%, 30%, and 50%) on physical, mechanical and thermal properties of Melia dubia plywood has been investigated. Plywood prepared with BPC exhibited superior mechanical properties as compared to pure polymer irrespective of polymer type. The improvement in flexural strength at 30% bamboo content was 14.6%, 17.6% and 38% for PP, HDPE and PBAT based BPC, respectively. Volumetric swelling in panels on water absorption was not influenced by the presence of bamboo fibers in the polymer. The improvement in mechanical properties of BPC bonded plywood was due to manifestation of an improved interfacial adhesion between BPC and wood veneers via coupling agent. SEM images revealed pertinent bonding between BPC and wood veneers in the form of mechanical interlocking.