THE EFFECT OF PRODUCING METHOD ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITES MADE FROM PARTICLEBOARD WASTE

The possibility of producing wood-plastic panels using two methods including melt blend and dry blend was studied in this research. Methods were compared with each other in order to select the best. Wood-Plastic panels were made from high density polyethylene (as resin) and particle board waste (as natural fiber) at 60, 70 and 80% by weight fiber loading. Density and dimensions of the panels were lg/cm3 and 35*35*1 cm, respectively. Mechanical properties of the panels including flexural modulus, flexural strength, screw and nail withdrawal resistance, and impact strength were under investigation. Maximum values of flexural modulus of wood plastic panels were found at 70% fiber content in both methods. Flexural strength, screw and nail withdrawal resistance and impact strength of wood plastic composites reduced with the increase in fiber content from this is not a reduction 60% to 80% is increase. Mechanical properties of samples made with dry blend method were generally higher than those of samples made with melt blend method for an corresponding formulations.