This paper presents the findings of experimental studies of the physical and mechanical properties of wood-filled composites based on polylactide (PLA) and vegetable filler in the form of wood flour (WF) thermally modified at 200-240 °C. It also reveals the dependence of the tensile strength, impact strength, bending elastic modulus, and density of composites on the amount of wood filler and the temperature of its thermal pre-modification. We established that an increase in the concentration of the introduced filler and the degree of its heat treatment results in a decrease of the tensile strength, impact strength and density of composite materials, while with a lower binder content, thermal modification at 200 °C has a positive effect on bending elastic modulus.
We also found that 40 % content of a wood filler heated to 200 °C is sufficient to maintain relatively high physical and mechanical properties of composite materials. With a higher content of a wood filler, the cost can be reduced but the quality of products made of this material may significantly deteriorate. However, depending on the application and the life cycle of this product, it is possible to develop a formulation that includes a high concentration of filler.
Influence of Wood Flour and Modifier Contents on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wood Flour-Recycle Polypropylene Composites
