Laboratory decay resistance of woodfiber/ thermoplastic composites

There is limited information available on the susceptibility of woodfiber/thermoplastic composites to biodegradation. The objective of this study is to report on the laboratory decay resistance of model composites. Polypropylene/pine composites were made with 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% wood contents...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Forest products journal 2001-09, Vol.51 (9), p.44-49
Main Authors: VERHEY, Steven, LAKS, Peter, RICHTER, Dana
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Biodegradation
Composite materials
Composites
Exact sciences and technology
Forest products industry
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Fungi
Laboratories
Manufacturing
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Preservatives
Statistical analysis
Studies
Technology of polymers
Thermoplastic composites
Wood
Wood composites
Wood-based materials
Wood. Paper. Non wovens
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Summary:There is limited information available on the susceptibility of woodfiber/thermoplastic composites to biodegradation. The objective of this study is to report on the laboratory decay resistance of model composites. Polypropylene/pine composites were made with 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, or 70% wood contents and exposed to brown- or white-rot fungi. In addition, 50/50 woodfiber/thermoplastic composites were treated with zinc borate (ZB) preservative at loadings of 1%, 3%, or 5% and evaluated against the brown-rot fungus. The effect of surface abrasion on decay was investigated by sanding the surface of some samples. Weight loss was proportional to wood content in the unpreserved composites. Substantial weight losses were observed for all unpreserved composites tested with the brown-rot fungus, while white-rot attack was only significant in the high wood content composites, particularly when the surface of the samples was sanded prior to exposure to the fungus. The incorporation of ZB into the composites provided protection from fungal attack at all loadings.
ISSN:0015-7473
2376-9637