The effect of mixing method and nanoclay on physical, mechanical and morphological properties of wood plastic composite made from recycled low and high density polyethylene blends

In this study, the effect of mixing method and nanoclay content on the physical, mechanical and morphological properties of wood plastic composite (WPC) were evaluated. Wood plastic composites were produced from recycled polyethylenes (low and high density) mixture, nanoclay and wood flour. The matrix and wood flour content were 60 wt% (LDPE 34% & HDPE 26%) and 40 wt%, respectively. Also, nanoclay was added in two levels 0 and 3 wt%. Simultaneous mixing and premixing method were used to manufacture the samples. The melt premixing samples exhibited superior physical and mechanical properties compared to the samples made by simultaneous mixing method. The composites containing nanoclay exhibited higher water absorption and lower strength properties. The results also indicated nanoclay agglomeration and poor distribution in the polymer matrix. Compared with the simultaneous mixing method, better distribution has been found for nanoclay particles in the samples made from the premixing method.