Abstract
This research addresses the importance of pine wood sawdust granulometry on the processing of medium-density polyethylene (MDPE)/wood composites by rotational molding and its effects on the morphological, mechanical and aesthetical properties of parts, aiming to contribute for the development of sustainable wood polymer composites (WPC) for rotational molding applications. Pine wood sawdust was sieved (<150, 150, 300, 500, 710, >1000 µm) and analyzed for its physical, morphological and thermal characteristics. Rotational molded parts were produced with matrix/wood ratios from 90/10 to 70/30 wt% considering different wood granulometries. As a natural material, wood changed its color during processing. Granulometries below 500 µm presented better sintering, homogeneity and less part defects. Furthermore, 300–500 µm favored the impact resistance (1316 N), as irregular brick-shaped wood was able to anchor to PE despite the weak interfacial adhesion observed. The increase of wood content from 10 to 30% reduced the impact properties by 40%, as a result of a highly porous structure formed, revealing sintering difficulties during processing. WPC parts of differentiated aesthetics and functionalities were achieved by rotational molding. A clear relationship between wood granulometry and WPC processing, structure and properties was identified.
Highlights
The human awareness to reduce environmental impact and to reach sustainability, is leading to the effort of industrial waste reuse and the development of ecologically viable materials, from renewable resources
This study addresses those subjects focusing on the granulometry and content of pine wood sawdust/medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) composites produced by rotational molding
Polymers 2022, 14, 193 tion with polymer matrix
Summary
The human awareness to reduce environmental impact and to reach sustainability, is leading to the effort of industrial waste reuse and the development of ecologically viable materials, from renewable resources. Natural fibers are an example of renewable material that have exceptional attributes such as low density, low cost, abundance in nature, renewability and marketing appeal [6] They prove to be good alternatives to inorganic materials and a successful solution for wood polymer composites (WPC) that makes use of organic materials with virgin, recycled or green plastics, reducing dependency on petroleum-based raw materials [3,7,8,9]. Materials performance depends on wood type, granulometry and content, sintering process and interaction with polymer matrix This study addresses those subjects focusing on the granulometry and content of pine wood sawdust/MDPE composites produced by rotational molding. Polymers 2022, 14, 193 tion with polymer matrix Rotational molding [9,25,32,45,46]
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