Evaluation of the properties of a polypropylene composites of recycled polypropylene reinforced with wood residue

Abstract

Plastic products are ideal for a cheap and fast consumption model, on the other hand, their momentary use generates too much waste disposal and can cause environmental problems. In this context, this work aimed to produce a polymeric composite based on post-consumer materials, involving polypropylene and wood flour, as well as to evaluate the properties of the formulations developed. Through the mechanical recycling of polypropylene (PP) (urban waste) and wood flour (processing waste of Medium Density Fiberboard - MDF) from the furniture industry, a polymeric composite was developed, with different constituent contents in formulations, through injection processes and hot compression molding. The properties of the composites obtained were evaluated through physical and mechanical granulometry tests, thickness, tensile and flexural strength, water absorption and fluidity and morphological index - scanning electron microscopy (MEV). Through the obtained results, it was possible to highlight that the incorporation of wood flour into the composite, provided the material with increased flexural strength and increased stiffness, however, the tensile strength decreased. The water absorption index was higher in the composite that had higher proportion of wood flour in its formulation. And the micrographs showed theadhesion of the fibers to the matrix and the bubbles formation in the transversal section images.