Morpho-mechanical properties of wood fiber plastic composite (WFPC) based on three different recycled plastic codes

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study set out to explore the effect of different recycled plastic codes and plastic content on the mechanical and morphological properties of wood fiber plastic composites (WFPC). The combination of polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and Acacia fibers was labeled as PP-WF, HDPE-WF and LDPE-WF with different plastic content at 100%, 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, and 50%. Mechanical properties include tensile strength (TS), modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR). While morphological property tests were performed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The result showed that the TS of PP-WF, HDPE-WF, and LDPE-WF was decreased by 68.5%, 68.6%, and 82%, respectively, with a 50% decrease in plastic content. Meanwhile, the MOE of PP-WF, HDPE-WF, and LDPE-WF was decreased by 48.9%, 58.37% and 56.32%, respectively. The MOR of PP-WF, HDPE-WF, and LDPE-WF was decreased by 77.8%, 84% and 77%, respectively. Generally, the trend result of TS, MOE, and MOR decreased as the plastic content decreased. The highest TS, MOE, and MOR were achieved by PP-WF compared to HDPE-WF and LDPE-WF at every combination. SEM results revealed the presence of voids and many pulled-out of wood fibers as the plastic content decreased.