| Abstract: | The possibility of producing wood‐plastic panels using a melt blend/hot press method was studied in this research. The studied panels were compared with conventional medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard (PB) panels. Wood‐plastic panels were made from high density polyethylene (as resin) and MDF waste and PB waste (as natural fiber) at 60, 70, and 80% by weight fiber loadings. Nominal density and dimensions of the panels were 1 g/cm3 and 35 × 35 × 1 cm3, respectively. Mechanical properties of the panels including flexural modulus, flexural strength, screw and nail withdrawal resistances, and impact strength were studied. Results indicated that the mechanical properties of the composites were strongly affected by the proportion of the wood flour and polymer. Maximum values of flexural modulus of wood plastic panels were reached at 70% fiber content. Flexural strength, screw and nail withdrawal resistance, and impact strength of wood plastic composites declined with the increase in fiber content from 60 to 80%. This was attributed to the lack of compatibility between the phases. The produced panels outperformed conventional PB panels regarding their mechanical properties, which were acceptable when compared with MDF panels as well. The best feature in the produced panels was their screw withdrawal resistance, which is extremely important for screw joints in cabinet making. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers |
