Dimensional Stability and Mechanical Properties of Wood/Polypropylene Composite Containing MDF Sanding Dust

The present study investigated the use of MDF sanding dust in the manufacture of wood polymer composites. Specimens made with 40%, 50% and 60% sanding dust and 2% coupling agent (dry wt) were compared with control specimens. All physical and mechanical properties were determined according to European norms. The results showed that sanding dust had a significant effect on all properties. The best mechanical properties and dimensional stability were found in boards composed of 40% sanding dust. The improvement in the physical and mechanical properties of composites containing sanding dust was related to the presence of urea formaldehyde resin from the MDF process in the dust. The results indicate that the use of sanding dust as a filler produced good quality composites that perform better than composites made with wood flour.