Effect of incorporating different types of Sentang tree waste particle on the thermal stability of Wood Polymer Composite (WPC)

Abstract

This article presents the potential use of tree waste materials such as the leaves (L), branches (B) and trunks (T) of Azadirachta excelsa (Sentang) tree in the production of wood polymer composite (WPC). The WPC was fabricated from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) as bonding matrix, maleic anhydride (MA) as coupling agent, and Sentang tree waste particles (L, B and T) as filler, prepared using twin-screw extruder followed by injection moulding machine. The effects of incorporating these types of Sentang tree waste particle (at 35% and 45% particles loading by weight) on the thermal stability of WPC were reported. The chemical compositions of L, B and T were also determined and their influences on the thermal stability of WPC were discussed. The thermal behaviour was determined by using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), whereas the chemical analysis using Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) methods. The addition of these tree waste particles as filler has increased the thermal stability of WPC compared to virgin HDPE (without any particle incorporation). The highest mass loss was experienced by virgin HDPE. It was also observed that chemical compositions of the particles played vital role in influencing the thermal stability of WPC.