Using design of experiments to determine mechanical properties of wood plastic composites

Abstract

Composites are of paramount importance in several fields, because of mechanical properties compared to their weight ratio are higher than matrix. One of these composites are wood plastic composites (WPCs) which are being developed for many applications, like construction, automotive, furniture and others. The use of WPCs with sustainable resources is an awareness that is growing in the world, and have advantages such as recyclable, low cost, sustainable, high strength, and others. Some factors have effect on mechanical properties like particle size, coupling agent, and weight ratio. The aim of this study was to investigate mechanical response of WPCs based in pecan shell and pine wood using statistical design to estimate mechanical properties of WPCs using High density polyethylene and Polybond 3009. In the study, parts were manufactured using injection molding. The characterization was based on the ASTM D638 and ASTM D790-03 standard to estimate tensile and Flexural strength. The results obtained indicate that each of the factors above have effect on the mechanical properties