Wood Plastic Composite Products Research Articles

Characterization of wood plastic composites made with recycled waste tire rubber

Abstract Green materials are currently demanded for construction as well as other products since the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in 2021. Using renewable and sustainable resources to innovate new materials such as composites is encouraged. This study aimed to investigate the physical and mechanical characteristics of wood plastic composites (WPCs) when adding waste tire rubber as filler for 10% or 20% by weight. The results showed that the density of the WPC samples (50 wt% wood − 50 wt% high density polyethylene) increased with the addition of the waste tire rubber (WTR) while the dimensional stability of samples was reduced. The mechanical properties of the WPC samples were determined, including flexural strength, flexural modulus, elongation at break, tensile strength, tensile modulus, and impact strength. The WTR as filler in the WPC tended to decrease the tensile strength and flexural strength whereas it improved the impact strength of materials. The results indicated that the WTR as recycled material in WPC affected the physical and mechanical properties of the WPCs. Although the use of the WTR in the production of the WPC adversely affects the mechanical properties, the use of 10 wt% WTR was acceptable. The results of the study showed that the addition of the WTR to the WPC production process can be useful for its recycling and for reducing the cost of the WPC.

Enhancing face-milling efficiency of wood–plastic composites through the application of genetic algorithm–back propagation neural network

ABSTRACT Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) have advanced physicochemical properties and are widely applied in various fields. How to achieve high-efficiency, high-quality machining of WPC is a pressing issue that WPC manufacturing enterprises need to address. To this end, this research focused primarily on improving the machinability of WPC with end milling experiments. In this work, a single-factor method was used to analyse the impact of axial milling depth, spindle speed, and tool rake angle on resultant forces and surface roughness. Main effects analysis was applied to explore the degree of influence of axial milling depth, spindle speed, and tool rake angle on cutting forces and surface roughness. Furthermore, three-dimensional characterisation techniques were utilised to analyse the surface morphology characteristics of WPC during end milling. Finally, a genetic algorithm–back propagation neural network was applied to develop prediction models for resultant force and surface roughness, and optimal milling conditions were identified as axial milling depth of 0.50 mm, spindle speed of 7841 r/min, and rake angle of 15°; these produced the lowest resultant force and surface roughness. The findings of this work are proposed as a guide for better cutting performance in the industrial production of WPC.

Branding of wood-plastic composites under generic name “Biobased-Plastic” or specifically as “Wood-Plastic Composite”? A consumer study under compolytics approach

Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) is a biobased material with high substitution potential for plastic-intensive products. Branding innovative WPC products is a challenge as WPC can hardly be distinguished visually from pure plastic and consumers can only judge the sustainability potential by the name. What they actually associate with “biobased” regarding WPCs and on which personal characteristics this depends were investigated by a survey with Likert-scale questions simulating choice decisions. For four test objects, it was measured how German consumers react to five key product attributes when the composite contained therein is generically branded as “Biobased-Plastic” (Sample 1: n = 205) or specifically as “Wood-Plastic Composite” (Sample 2: n = 155). Differences from the branding were clarified using ANOVA statistics, effects from personal characteristics were quantified by correlation tests and a factor analysis determined which object/attribute-combination triggered consumers most. Only when consumers were skeptical about plastic, they felt sufficiently informed about the specific term “Wood-Plastic,” which resulted in similarly high agreement levels as under the generic term. When branding under the specific term, agreements to the attribute “eco” were higher, whereas under generic brand this was the case for attribute “health” and there the associations were dependent on more psychographic characteristics. It was also found that consumers disposed of WPC products and packaging more correctly under the specific term “Wood-Plastic” than under the generic one, the latter tending to encourage composting. Specific branding with “Wood-Plastic Composite” is advisable for differentiated shopping goods that are marketed using informative advertising for segmented consumer groups. A standardised strategy for mass-produced goods made of WPC is possible under the “Biobased-Plastic” brand, but this must then also provide information on the correct disposal of WPC.

Multi-objective optimization of turning process parameters and wood sawdust contents using response surface methodology for the minimized surface roughness of recycled plastic/wood sawdust composites

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect and optimization of turning parameters such as spindle speed, feed rate, and depth of cut as well as wood sawdust content on the roughness quality of wood-plastic composites (WPCs). The Box–Behnken design and response surface methodology were used in experiments. Three roughness parameters, namely average roughness (Ra), root mean square average of roughness (Rq), and average maximum height (Rz) were employed to evaluate the surface quality of WPC samples. Based on the findings of the experiments, the Ra, Rq, and Rz values reduced with increasing spindle speed in a range of 430 to 1030 rpm, whereas the values increased when increasing the feed rate in a range of 0.05 to 0.15 mm/min. Also, an increase in depth of cut ranging from 1 to 3 mm and WPCs with a higher amount of wood sawdust in a range of 30 to 50 wt% raised their surface roughness. Finally, optimal conditions for the turning of the WPCs were determined to comprise a spindle speed of 781 rpm, a feed rate of 0.05 mm/min, a depth of cut of 2.8 mm, and wood sawdust content of 30 wt% with the highest desirability score of 1.000. Under such conditions, the sample had Ra, Rq, and Rz values of 1.8, 2.2, and 11.3 µm, respectively. The optimal conditions for turning can be used to effectively process different WPC products into various shapes.

Sustainable WPC Production: A Novel Method Using Recycled High-Density Polyethylene and Wood Veneer

This research work is focused on the development of an alternative method for manufacturing Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) panels based on Wood Veneers (WVs) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) through compression molding, which enhances the physical properties, particularly, water absorption and moisture content. The aim of the present research was to develop alternative panels to replace commercial ones, which are heavily affected by hot, humid climates. In this context, the study began with the design process, which consisted of the collection and processing of primary material, production of the additional components necessary for the manufacturing process, determination of the WV ratio, and preparation of the samples. Thereafter, physical and mechanical tests were carried out on WPC, HDPE (control), commercial gypsum boards (GBs), plywood (PW), and medium density fiberboard (MDF) samples. The results indicate that the method applied to manufacture the WPC samples improved physical properties, achieving a water uptake of less than 4% in both proportions of replacement tested, in contrast to commercial panels, which reached values between 10% and 40%. In addition, a greater load capacity was achieved for lower thick elements.

Mechanical performance assessment of sustainable coal plastic composite building materials

This paper presents a study for developing a high filler content coal plastic composite (CPC) for use in building and construction applications as a substitute for the state-of-the-art wood-plastic composites (WPCs). The influence of coal type (bituminous, sub-bituminous) and content (up to 70 wt%) on the mechanical performance was characterized and compared with predominant commercially available WPC products. SEM micrographs revealed good adhesion between coal and the polymer at the interface with less porosity than WPCs. Additionally, particle fracture and particle pull-out failure mechanisms were evident in the SEM micrographs, with the latter being more dominant. DSC thermal analyses revealed potential chemical reactions between the coal and HDPE interfaces, resulting in enhanced composite performance. Results indicate the tensile strength for CPC material had inverse proportionality with coal content. Despite the reduction, tensile strength for CPC with 60 wt% bituminous coal was not significantly different from a typical WPC formulation. Flexural strength increased to a maximum value, at 60 wt% for bituminous coal and 50 wt% for sub-bituminous coal, followed by a decrease. CPC with 60 wt% bituminous coal possessed higher flexural strength and, in some cases, comparable flexural modulus as compared to WPC products. Flexural properties indicated that a composite deck made from the CPC material could meet or exceed the loading and deflection requirements for decking boards. FEA models indicated that a hollow deck profile would potentially have a better load-deflection curve with less localized stresses compared to common decking board profiled sections.

Effect of Coupling Treatment on Interfacial Bonding Properties of Wood Veneer/Wood Flour–Polyvinyl Chloride Composites with Sandwich Structure

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) have received growing attention due to their good water resistance, environmental friendliness, and recyclability. For the application of WPCs in interior decoration and other high–value fields, it is necessary to preserve these characteristics whilst enhancing their mechanical properties and surface aesthetics. In this study, we used a sandwich structure and four interface modifiers to prepare wood veneer/wood flour–polyvinyl chloride composites (WWPVCs). The results revealed that the WWPVCs treated with a silane coupling agent exhibited superior interfacial bonding and mechanical properties compared to those obtained using other interface modifiers. The interfacial bonding strength of the treated sample reached 1.22 MPa, which was 122% higher than that of the untreated sample. In addition, the wood failure ratio of the optimal sample reached 80%. Furthermore, the dipping–peeling length was found to be shorter than those achieved using other interface modifiers after tests at 63 and 100 °C, indicating that the material treated using the silane coupling agent exhibits an excellent resistance to moisture and heat. Notably, silane coupling agents are easily prepared as solvent–based modifiers, and they do not release harmful gases (e.g., formaldehyde), thereby rendering them highly effective in the preparation of environmentally friendly WPC products.

Utilization of Torrefied and Non-Torrefied Short Rotation Willow in Wood-Plastic Composites.

The torrefaction process is widely used in the energy field, but the characteristics of the torrefied wood also have positive effects on the production of wood plastic composites. In this study, short-rotation shrub willow was torrefied at 225 and 300 °C and incorporated into polypropylene composites filled with changing levels of weight percent (wt%) of non-torrefied and torrefied (5, 15, 25, and 40 wt%) wood. Nine different formulations were extruded for mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties. The tensile properties of composites were not affected by any level of torrefaction, while higher flexure properties were in favor of lower wt% of torrefied wood. The slowest rate of thermal degradation was confirmed for the highest wt% of torrefied wood with a torrefaction temperature of 300 °C. In contrast, the presence of torrefied wood in composites did not show a difference in crystallization or melting temperatures. The most noticeable contribution of torrefaction temperature and wt% was found for water-absorbing properties, where the higher torrefaction temperature and largest wt% of torrefied wood in the composite resulted in decreased water uptake.

Using furniture factory waste sawdust in wood-plastic composite production and prototype sample production

This study investigated the possibility of furniture factory waste sawdust (FFWS) utilization in polypropylene (PP) composites and producing furniture support leg prototypes. Test samples were manufactured using a single screw extruder and injection molding machine utilizing 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35% by weight of FFWS and 0% or 3% maleated polypropylene (MAPP). Selected mechanical and physical properties of manufactured samples were determined. The presence of FFWS and MAPP significantly improved mechanical properties compared to neat PP. The higher FFWS amount increased the flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile modulus, impact resistance, and density. Tensile strength and elongation at break decreased with filler amount, but the addition of MAPP caused a dramatic increase in tensile strength. In addition, flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength, elasticity modulus, and density values of the composites containing MAPP had higher values than the ones without MAPP. However, impact resistance and elongation at break values were slightly decreased with the addition of MAPP. Optimization results showed that formulation mixtures containing 20% filler and 3% MAPP fit best for prototype furniture legs manufacturing.

Comparative study of some properties of wood plastic composite materials produced with polyethylene, wood flour, and glass flour

Wood flour is the most common filler used in the production of wood plastic composite (WPC) materials. In scientific studies on this subject, wood flours obtained from different trees and fillers obtained from different annual plants are used. In addition, some mineral-based fillers are also used in materials made of plastic. In this study, a low-density polyethylene polymer obtained from recycling was used as the matrix. Larch wood flour and glass flour obtained by grinding soft drink bottles were used as fillers. Composite boards were produced using 60% polymer as the matrix, along with wood flour and glass flour in varying proportions. The density, flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, and hardness values of the produced composites were determined. Based on the data obtained, the density increased with the addition of wood flour and glass flour as fillers, and the density-increasing effect of the glass flour was higher than that of the wood flour. Compared to the control samples, it was determined that the bending strength and elongation at break of the experimental groups decreased, and the flexural modulus and tensile modulus increased in the experimental samples using wood flour and glass flour.

POTENTIALS OF SAWDUST AND DISPOSED WATER SACHET WASTES FOR WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITE PRODUCTION

The study investigated the potential of sawdust and disposed water plastics for the production of wood plastic composite. The sawdust was obtained from the plank market in Yola, while, the water sachets were hand-picked within the Modibbo Adama University premises. The gathered sawdust were sieved into 1.0 and 2.0 mm particle sizes, thoroughly mixed with already melted water sachet plastics at a ratio of 1:25 (100: 2500 ml) and 1:30 (100:3000 ml) respectively,. The mixtures were heated at (105.20 C,) and then filled into an already constructed oiled Aluminum mold of size 1.5 x 6 x 15 cm. Pressure was applied for two hours to compress the composite before removal from the mold. The samples were then trimmed according to sample size requirement, for mechanical and physical property properties tests. The results revealed that, the plastic composite produced from 2mm sawdust particles and mixed at ratio of 1:25 has the highest mean hardness (14.99 ± 3.54 MPa), The mean highest impact strength (1.24 ± 0.12 J) was obtained in the sample with particle size 1 mm and plastic ratio of 1:30, while, the highest mean water absorption percentage (2.27 ± 0.132 ) was obtained in particle size 2 mm and plastic ratio of 1:25.The Analysis of variance conducted shows that, sawdust particle size and mixing ratio had significant effect on both physical and mechanical properties of the produced plastic composite (p < 0.05). The study had demonstrated that the use of disposed sachet water plastics and sawdust waste

Mechanical properties of wood-plastic composites produced with recycled polyethylene, used Tetra Pak® boxes, and wood flour

The recycling industry has developed rapidly in recent years. Paper, plastic, glass, and metals are the most recycled materials. In this study, composite boards were produced using recycled polyethylene (R-PE) mixed with used Tetra Pak® boxes (TPBs) and pine wood flour (PWF) as fillers. The ratios of TPB to wood flour used in study were 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%. Six test groups of composites were prepared. For each group, four composite boards of dimensions 4 × 180 × 220 mm3 were produced. Some of the mechanical properties of the produced boards, such as the flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, and Shore D hardness, were determined. The data obtained showed that the flexural modulus, tensile modulus, and density increased with the wood flour content. However, the flexural strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break decreased as the wood flour content was increased. As a result, it can be said that TPBs could be used as a filler instead of wood flour in the production of wood-plastic composites.

Tropik ağaç türü olan dahoma (Piptadeniastrum africanum) odununun odun plastik kompozit üretiminde kullanımı

Bu çalışma kapsamında profil çekme makinesinden çıkan atık dahoma odun ununun polipropilen (PP) bazlı odun plastik kompozit üretiminde dolgu maddesi olarak kullanımının kompozit malzemelerin mekanik ve morfolojik özellikleri üzerine etkileri incelenmiştir. Atık odun unları fabrikadan alındığı gibi ve dört farklı oranda (%0, %15, %30 ve %45) kullanılmıştır. Atık odun unlarının boyut analizi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Uyumlaştırıcı olarak %3 oranında maleik anhidrit polipropilen (MAPP) ve yağlayıcı olarak %3 parafin wax kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlar neticesinde odun ununun eklenmesi ile çekme ve darbe direnci değerlerinde hafif dalgalanmalar gözlemlense de genel olarak mekanik değerlerde iyileşmeler belirlenmiştir. Odun ununun katılım oranının artması ile çekmede elastikiyet modülü, eğilme direnci ve eğilmede elastikiyet modülü özellikleri iyileşmiştir. Kopmada uzama değerlerinde ise keskin bir düşüş gözlemlenmiştir. Morfolojik özellikleri incelendiğinde odun ununun homojen bir şekilde polimer matris içerisinde dağılım gösterdiği ve polimer matrisin dolgu maddelerinin etrafını iyice sardığı ve iyi bir arayüz etkileşiminin olduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, atık dahoma odun unlarının odun plastik kompozit üretiminde değerlendirilebileceği kanaatine varılmıştır.

Study on the Direct Transformation of Milk Bottle and Wood into Wood–Plastic Composite through Injection Molding

Plastic has transformed the world; however, it generates a huge amount of waste plastics. It is well evident that, if urgent action is not undertaken on plastic pollution, it will pose threats to not only the environment, but also human life. Just simply discarding waste plastics will result in wasting a lot of valuable materials that could be recycled. Recently, the use of waste plastics has been considered for producing wood plastic composites (WPCs), which are superior to normal wood. Waste plastics are pelletized using an extruder and are then subjected to injection molding. In this study, investigations were carried out to determine the possibility of producing WPCs without the palletization of waste plastic to turn WPC production into a shorter, simple, and easy-to-achieve process. Here, a waste milk bottle, a familiar single-use plastic, was picked as a case study. Waste plastic granules and wood particles were mixed and directly injection molded to produce valuable WPCs. The water absorption of WPCs with 20% wood is 0.35%, and this increased to 0.37% when wood content was increased to 40%. The tensile strength at yield, elongation at break, and impact strength of WPCs with 20% wood content are 19.54 MPa, 5.21%, and 33.92 KJ/m2, respectively, whereas it was 17.23 MPa, 4.05%, and 26.61 KJ/m2 for the WPCs with 40% wood content. This process can be a potential solution for two problematic wastes at the same time.

Recent progresses in wood-plastic composites: Pre-processing treatments, manufacturing techniques, recyclability and eco-friendly assessment

Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) have shown promising domestic and industrial applications. Both virgin and waste materials have been used as matrix and reinforcement materials in WPCs manufacturing which enhances the eco-efficiency of WPCs products. This study presents a comprehensive review on the WPCs manufacturing techniques including pre-processing of the composite ingredients and post-processing of the WPCs products. Three main types of pre-processing techniques have been discussed; chemical, mechanical, and thermal treatments. Conventional manufacturing techniques of WPCs such as extrusion molding, injection molding, compression molding, stir casting, and hot-press method have been presented. In addition, advanced manufacturing techniques such as selective laser sintering have been briefly discussed. The recycling of WPC is also discussed. Eco-friendly assessment of WPCs has been also introduced. Important conclusions and the future research trends have been mentioned in the end of the article.

Flammability and thermal stability of thermoplastic-based composites filled with natural carbon

This investigation characterized flammability and thermal stability for a novel sustainable composite engineered for use in building applications. Flammability and thermal stability of coal plastic composites composed of coal (40–60 wt.%) and high-density polyethylene were compared to commercial wood–plastic composites. Pyrolysis thermogravimetric analysis results indicated that coal plastic composites possessed a single-step decomposition and higher char residue, while wood–plastic composites had two-step decomposition, with the first peak occurring at much lower temperatures. Thermogravimetric analyses in air suggest coal plastic composites, compared to wood–plastic composites and neat high-density polyethylene, were more thermally stable. Flash ignition temperatures for coal plastic composites were higher than high-density polyethylene and wood–plastic composites, while self-ignition temperatures were in the same range as wood–plastic composites. Rate of burning data indicated coal plastic composites were slower burning than wood–plastic composites, with increasing coal content slowing burning rate by 19.9%–27.6%. Cone calorimeter testing showed 27% and 59% reduction in total heat release and total smoke release as coal content increased while coal plastic composite with 60 wt.% coal possessed lower overall flammability in comparison with predominant commercially available wood–plastic composite products. Coal improved composite overall thermal stability and flammability by acting as char former and foaming agent.

Recycling end-of-life WPC products into ultra-high-filled, high-performance wood fiber/polyethylene composites: a sustainable strategy for clean and cyclic processing in the WPC industry

As “green” composites, recycling end-of-life wood-plastic composites (WPCs) is crucial for sustainable and efficient resource utilization and carbon neutrality. In this study, waste WPC windows with 47.6 wt.% wood fiber (WF) were recycled as the polymer matrix and then reprocessed with waste WFs by extrusion into ultra-high-filled WF/polyethylene composites (UH-WPCs) using MAPE as a compatibilizer. The tensile and flexural moduli of all UH-WPCs with/without MAPE were higher than those of the waste WPCs. The MAPE-compatibilized UH-WPCs demonstrated improved water resistance, creep resistance, and dimensional stability. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of the UH-WPCs with 80 wt.% WF and 4 wt.% MAPE were 26.6%, 50.0%, 26.4%, and 87.9% higher than those of the waste WPCs, respectively. The presence of MAPE could improve the WF-matrix interfacial interaction and protect the WF from damage during reprocessing owing to the improved wettability and plasticization on WF. It is anticipated that the proposed strategy will provide a facile method to recycle end-of-life WPC products into high-performance composites at a low cost.

Production of Sugar Beet Pulp/LDPE Composites Using Compression Molding Method and Investigation of Some Properties

Aim of study: In this study, the effect of lignocellulosic filler and coupling agent amount on the physical and mechanical properties of produced sugar beet pulp/LDPE composites were researched.
 Material and methods: Wood-plastic composites were produced using compression molding method. The effect of lignocellulosic filler and coupling agent (maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene) amount on the physical (density and water uptake analyses) and mechanical (tensile strength, tensile modulus, elongation at break, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength) properties of composites were investigated.
 Main results: According to the obtained results, the rise in the amount of SBP were increased the density, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus while decreasing tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength of the resulting composites. Generally, the increase of coupling agent (MAPE) amount improved the composites properties except for impact strength and elongation at break.
 Highlights: Sugar beet pulp (SBP) can be successfully used as an alternative lignocellulosic filler in the wood plastic composite production.

Physico-mechanical properties and long-term creep behavior of wood-plastic composites for construction materials: Effect of water immersion times

The optimal formulation described by Srivabut C. et al. (2019) of 51.8 wt% rPP, 35.9 wt% RWF, 7.2 wt% CC, 3.9 wt% MAPP, 0.2 wt% UV stabilizer, and 1.0 wt% Lub was used in the study, it was shown to possess the best mechanical and physical properties for wood-plastic composites (WPCs). This formulation was used to investigate the mechanical and physical properties and effects of stress, temperature, and time on flexural creep with 35% of the ultimate flexural strength, after water immersion for various times. In addition, the time-stress superposition (TSS) principle was used to predict the lifetime for WPCs. The results showed that the mechanical properties generally decreased up to 40% with immersion time in which samples absorb water quickly in the first week, after which these absorption increases more slowly until the saturation point. This is most likely due to the increase of free OH groups in the composites and the long-term absorption, resulting the decrease of mechanical resistance of the WPCs. All of the WPC specimens experienced increased lightness and total color change, indicative of fading or lightening. The L* of the control sample had lower lightness than WPCs immersed for 1, 5, and 10 weeks. Also, the ∆E* in all cases increased with immersion time until 10 weeks. Almost no color change was observed in first week of immersion, after which it gradually increased. The creep behavior of WPCs was dependent on stress, temperature, and water immersion time, increasing with all of these. The master curve from time-stress superposition principle was in a good agreement with R2 of 87.45% for long-term creep. It was found that the lifetime predictions of WPC products exceeded 10 years for 3 MPa stress at 25 °C (control sample). However, the WPCs after 10 weeks of water immersion showed poorer performance, with lifetimes of the composite products under 3 and 15 MPa stress at 25 °C estimated to not reach 5 years.

FLAT-PRESSED WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITES FROM COMMUNITY FOREST WOOD BARK AND RECYCLED POLYPROPYLENE: THE EFFECT OF PRESSING TEMPERATURE ON THE PHYSICAL, MECHANICAL, AND MORPHOLOGICAL PROPERTIES

The article describes a new idea related to the use of wood bark powder as a filler material in the production of wood plastic composites using flat-pressed method, based on its thermal stability and abundant availability, enabling replacing wood powder, which has been widely used. This research aims to study the effect of temperature on the physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of flat-pressed wood plastic composites made from Gmelina arborea bark and recycled polypropylene. A 40:60 mesh (5% moisture content) of G. arborea bark powder was mixed with recycled polypropylene (RPP) pellets with a weight ratio of 40:60 and a maleic anhydride (MAH) modifier as much as 5% of the weight of the RPP was added. Mixing the ingredients is done in a rotating blender for 15 minutes at a speed of 80 rpm until homogeneous. The mixture was heated at 175oC until the RPP pellets were completely melted and then cooled at room temperature. After that, the material mixture was made into powder and filtered, and then moulded in a steel plate mould at temperatures of 160, 165, and 170oC under a pressure of 30 kg/cm2 for 4 minutes with a target density of 1 g/cm3. Physical properties including density, moisture content, water absorption, thickness swelling, and volume shrinkage according to ASTM D570 standard were determined. Mechanical properties, such as modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rapture (MOR), referring to ASTM D7031 standard, and tensile strength parallel to panel length, referring to ASTM D638 standard, were also evaluated. In addition, composite morphology was also studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the increasing of pressing temperature had a significant effect on the improvement of moisture content, water absorption, thickness swelling, volume shrinkage, and MOR. MOR value increased by 34.12% when the pressing temperature increased form 160oC up to 170oC. Our method allows improving the physical and mechanical properties of wood bark plastic composites based on a pressing temperature of 170oC.