Utilization of Wood Flour from White Oak Branches as Reinforcement in a Polypropylene Matrix: Physical and Mechanical Characterization

Compared to other fibrous materials, plant fibers can act as a reinforcement in plastics due to their relatively high strength and rigidity, low cost, low density, biodegradability, and renewability. In this context, this study examines the effect of the particle size and content of white oak wood f...

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Published in:Journal of composites science 2022-07, Vol.6 (7), p.184
Main Authors: Hernández-Jiménez, José Angel, Jiménez-Amezcua, Rosa María, Lomelí-Ramírez, María Guadalupe, Silva-Guzmán, José Antonio, Torres-Rendón, José Guillermo, García-Enriquez, Salvador
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodegradability
Biodegradation
Density
Elongation
Flour
Humidity
Impact strength
Lignocellulose
Mechanical properties
Melt flow index
Modulus of elasticity
Modulus of rupture in bending
Particle size
Polymers
Polypropylene
Vegetable fibers
Water absorption
white oak flour
wood–plastic composites
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Summary:Compared to other fibrous materials, plant fibers can act as a reinforcement in plastics due to their relatively high strength and rigidity, low cost, low density, biodegradability, and renewability. In this context, this study examines the effect of the particle size and content of white oak wood flour (Quercus laeta Liemb), obtained from its branches, on the properties of commercial polypropylene. In Mexico, wood from the branches of Quercus laeta Liemb is barely utilized despite its abundance and viability. The main objective of this study is to demonstrate that this waste material can be exploited to prepare useful materials, in this case composites with competitive properties. Tensile and flexural tests, as well as impact strength and melt flow index were evaluated. In addition, density and water absorption capacity were also tested. Results showed that the water absorption increased with the incorporation of wood particles. Mechanical properties were strongly influenced by particle content. A reduction in elongation and strength was observed, while Young’s modulus and flexural modulus increased with the incorporation of wood particles. Impact strength increased with particle size and particle content.
ISSN:2504-477X
2504-477X
DOI:10.3390/jcs6070184