Experimental Investigation on Thermal Properties of Wood-Plastic Composites as Flat Panels

Abstract

The aim of this research is investigating the thermal properties of wood-plastic composites (WPCs) in the form of flat panels. The study has included many properties such as: thermal conductivity, thermal stability, thermal expansion and melting point. The WPCs have made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) incorporated with wood flour taken from pine trees. The studied concentrations of wood flour in the composites are (10, 20 or 30 %). The work was performed experimentally by manufacturing the specimens and measuring the thermal properties. The results show that the addition of 10% wood flour to the composite, leads to a reduction in the thermal conductivity of 4-10%, a reduction in thermal expansion of 8-12%, and an increase in the melting point of (2-3°C) for both HDPE and PP wood composites. It was found that wood could be used with plastics that have low melting points, such as: HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVDF and PA, to ensure high thermal stability.