Property optimization of wood polymer composites (WPC) formulated from recycled thermoplastic blends and bamboo particles reinforcements by cross-linking coupling agent and initiator catalyst

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ABSTRACT In this study, eco-friendly wood polymer composites (WPCs) were produced using a 50/50 wt.% blend of recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE) and recycled polystyrene (rPS) as the polymer matrix, compounded with indigenous Ethiopian lowland bamboo (LLB) particles. Reactive melt compatibilization was evaluated using maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP) and styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene grafted with maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA), each synergistically cross-linked with 1% dicumyl peroxide (DCP). The effects of SEBS-g-MA and MAPP coupling agents crosslinked with DCP at concentrations of 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10% were evaluated to optimize mechanical performance, thermal behavior, dimensional stability, water uptake, and degradation resistance. The results showed that SEBS-g-MA significantly improved the impact strength of the formulated WPCs. In contrast, MAPP and DCP synergistically enhanced the tensile, flexural, and storage moduli, with 5% MAPP and 1% DCP, achieving optimal performance which declined at higher concentrations. Similarly, 3% SEBS-g-MA and 1% DCP provided better tensile, flexural, and storage moduli for WPCs. Dimensional stability, water absorption, and thermal stability improved with further increase in SEBS-g-MA content. These findings demonstrate the potential of valorizing thermoplastic waste into sustainable building materials, highlighting reactive melt compatibilization as a viable approach for producing high-performance WPCs.