Mechanical and morphological properties of wood plastic composites based on municipal plastic waste

Abstract

AbstractProduction and characterization of wood plastic composites (WPC) from the light fraction of municipal plastic wastes (post‐consumer) and wood processing residues (sawdust) were investigated. Composition analysis revealed the presence of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) as the two main components of the matrix. In order to improve compatibility and adhesion between all the phases, an ethylene–octene copolymer was used to compatibilize the polymer phases and was also acting as an impact modifier, while the addition of maleated polyethylene and maleated polypropylene (MAPP) were acting as coupling agents between the polymer matrix and the wood flour. The combined effect of all the components was found to produce composites with interesting morphological (dispersion and adhesion) and mechanical properties (tension, torsion, flexion, and impact) after optimization of the additive package (blend of coupling agents). POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers