Study on the effect of polymer types and Quality of lignocellulosic materials on the Physical and Mechanical properties of wood/plastic composite

In this study the effect of type of polymer including polyvinyl chloride and high density polyethylene in production of wood plastic composite by using of canola straw waste in two forms, with and without pith (depithed), in combination with wood flour were investigated. Five levels of lignocellulosic materials were used consisting of 100 % wood flour, 100% canola flour including pith, 100% depithed canola flour, 50% wood flour plus 50% canola flour with pith and 50% wood flour plus 50% depithed canola flour. Physical properties of boards including, thickness swelling and water absorption after 2 and 24 hours immersion in water and mechanical properties such as screw withdrawal strength perpendicular on the surface, flexural strength and modulus of elasticity according to EN were evaluated. The results of this study showed that wood plastic composite made of high density polyethylene had better physical and mechanical properties compared with polyvinyl chloride and using of canola flour combined with wood flour lead to increasing flexural strength and modulus of elasticity, but decreased screw withdrawal strength perpendicular on the surface. Using of lignocellulosic filler material by combining of 50% wood flour plus 50 % depithed canola flour combined with high density polyethylene powder can be produced wood plastic composite board with suitable physical and mechanical properties.