Use of synthetic fibers as co-reinforcing agents in wood/PVC hybrid composites: effect on tribological properties

Abstract

Uses of natural wood/PVC composite products are increasing in various fields of construction and in building materials applications. This present work aimed to develop wood/PVC hybrid composite materials by incorporating synthetic fibers, namely E-glass, S-glass, and carbon fibers. Three different wood flours were also considered, including Xylia kerrii Craib & Hutch, Hevea brasiliensis, and Mangifera indica Linn. The mechanical, morphological, and wear properties were of interest. The results suggested that the addition of synthetic fibers significantly improved the flexural properties of wood/PVC composites, but only slightly affected their specific wear rate values, this effect being most pronounced with the incorporation of carbon fiber and when tested at longer sliding distance. The influence of different wood types showed no definite trend on the specific wear rates of the wood/PVC hybrid composites. Among different counterface materials used, a sandpaper counterface resulted in the highest specific wear rate, which involved a two-body abrasion mechanism. The results of this work indicated that S-glass fiber and XK wood were most suitable for co-reinforcing the wood/PVC composites in terms of wear-resistant applications.