Evaluation of the physical properties of composite panels with eucalyptus sawdust waste and castor oil-based polyurethane

Abstract

Natural fibers have several advantages over synthetic fibers, and due to this, they are being increasingly used in various applications. Industrial waste generated during the production chain of different types of sectors is becoming a major environmental problem. The objective of this work was to produce and evaluate the physical properties of composite panels produced with waste from the wood industry, eucalyptus sawdust, and also with another waste, this time from the red ceramic industry, chamotte, and matrix polyurethane resin based on of castor oil. The composite panels were produced in volumetric fractions of 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90% of eucalyptus sawdust, and a variation of 0, 5 and 10% of chamotte. The tests to evaluate the physical properties were: Density, Moisture Content, Water Absorption and Thickness Swelling. The results showed that as the volumetric fraction of chamotte was incorporated into the composite, the higher the density value was obtained, and that this value decreased as the eucalyptus fiber fraction increased in the formulation. The SEM images revealed that chamotte provided a reduction in the amount of bubbles present in the resin. The moisture content, water absorption and swelling increased as the volumetric fraction of fiber increased, and decreased as the volumetric fraction of chamotte incorporation increased. It is concluded that there is technical feasibility for the use of eucalyptus residue, together with chamotte and castor oil-based polyurethane resin for the manufacture of composites. The perspective after this research is make a partner with a wood panels industry and create a new line of green composites panels made by recycled waste from industry.