Development and characterization of WPCs produced with high amount of wood residue

In this work, high levels of wood residue were incorporated into high density polyethylene (HDPE). The composite processing was carried out in a twin screw extruder. Due to the large amount of solid charge, adaptation of the equipment was necessary. Wood polymer composites (WPCs) with 60, 65 and 70% wood residue were obtained. In order to use composites in applications such as profiles for application on floors, an analysis of the fatigue strength of the composites was performed, as well as the water absorption capacity. The effect of ultra violet (UV) radiation on the surface of the composites was also evaluated using simulation in a degradation chamber. There was a significant increase in the stiffness of the composites and a reduction in flexural strength. Due to the large amount of load, formation of agglomerates was observed, which reduced the impact resistance. In spite of the use of compatibilizers, it was observed a weak adhesion between the phases, which impaired in the number of cycles under fatigue. When subjected to UV-degradation, the materials exhibited a small reduction in tensile strength. In general, the results indicate that the developed WPCs, considering applications in floors, presented some suitable properties such as rigidity and flexural strength, however, the processing conditions must be adequate for greater interaction between the phases.