Flat pressed Pongamia pinnata wood-flour/polypropylene composite loaded with talc: a statistical optimization

Abstract

This study was aimed to produce wood–plastic composite (WPC) from Pongamia pinnata, a biofuel producing tree species by using statistical response surface methodology (RSM). The study evaluated three parameters: (1) the mass ratio of wood and polypropylene (PP), (2) the pressing time; and (3) the talc percentage as filler, where pressure and temperature was remain constant. Maintaining wood content at 50 % or less, provided the best mechanical properties, and wood content above approximately 60 % resulted in reduction of all mechanical properties of WPCs. The results showed that pressing time has a great impact on board quality. The optimal concentration of the filler content (talc) in WPCs was 2 %. Adding the proper amount of talc can improve the mechanical properties but over-dosing affects all the properties of the WPCs.