Effect of rubberwood and palm oil content on the properties of wood–polyvinyl chloride composites

Abstract

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) have been proposed as an alternative to natural wood due to their physical and mechanical properties. Development of these composites from natural fibers is receiving widespread attention partly because of growing environmental awareness. To dispose of produced waste from industry, low-value fiber resources could be converted into high-value products. This research studies the combination of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to rubberwood (RBW) fiber, to palm oil trunk fiber, and to palm oil shell (POS) fiber. Composite performance optimization, material option comparison, basic engineering performance improvement, and durability of WPCs have been investigated. A two-stage process consisting of compounding and forming to produce WPCs using 40%–60% natural fiber reinforcements was carried out. Physical and mechanical properties of the WPCs were studied. The results showed that WPCs consisting of 60% RBW fiber and 40% PVC yielded the highest modulus of elasticity and modulus of rupture, which are approximately 90,130 MPa and 433 MPa, respectively. The ultimate compressive strength with a value of approximately 316 MPa was achieved from 60% POS fiber and 40% PVC. Reinforcing 40% POS fiber in 60% PVC exhibited the lowest water absorption rate. The overall result indicates an improvement of engineering performance, making better use of industrial wastes and indirectly assists environmental conservation endeavor along the process.