Properties of Wood Plastic Composite Using Primary Sludge as Filler

Abstract

Sludge is the largest waste produced from the pulp and paper mill, it consists of 50-60% fibers and inorganic materials and have caused serious disposal problem. Recycling sludge into value-added product can give environmental and economic benefits. The objective f this research was to optimize utilization of sludge as filler in wood plastic composite using polypropylene as a matrix resin. Sludge with and without purification treatment were used as filler. The concentration of filler used was 40%, 50% and 60%. Maleic anhydride-modified- polypropylene (MAPP) with concentration of 5% was used as a coupling agent. Filler, matrix with and without coupling agent were compounded using Haake polydrive labopastomill at 175 °C, 60 rpm for 20 min. The results indicated that the morphology, physical, mechanical and thermal properties of wood plastic composites was much influenced by purification treatment, filler loadings and addition of coupling agent. Interaction of between fibers and matrix resin and thermal stability of wood plastic composites were much improved by purification treatment on sludge and addition of coupling agent. Keywords: coupling agent, fillers, purification, sludge, wood plastic composite