Investigation and comparison of functional properties of polymer composites with waste materials as reinforcements

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Wood Composite Products, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad, Iran.

2 Corresponding Author, Associate Prof., Dept. of Wood Engineering and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan, Iran.

3 Assistant Prof., Dept. of Wood and Paper Science and Industry, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gonbad Kavous University, Gonbad, Iran.

Abstract

Background and objective: To enhance the physical and mechanical properties of wood-plastic composites, in this study, particles derived from soda pulping process of agricultural wastes including wheat and rice stalk were used. In order to increase productivity and produce composites with lower cost and lower weight along with suitable functional properties, two types of inexpensive and renewable agricultural wastes (wheat and rice stalks) were investigated and compared as fillers in the manufacture of wood-plastic composites using polypropylene polymer.

Materials and methods: After preparing soda pulp from wheat and rice stalks, these particles were mixed with polypropylene polymer at ratios of 30:70, 40:60 and 50:50 along with 6% MAPP coupling agent to make wood-plastic composites. Then, the functional properties of the composites including flexural strength and modulus, tensile strength and modulus, impact strength and thickness swelling within 2- and 24-hours immersion in water were measured and all data were statistically analyzed.

Results: The results of this study observed that by using particles derived from soda pulp of wheat stalks in the composite composition, the functional properties were at a higher level than those of rice stalks. With increasing substitution of particles derived from soda pulp from wheat stalks and rice stalks, the thickness swelling of the composites increased within 2- and 24-hours immersion in water. The strength and flexural modulus of composites made of particles derived from soda pulp from rice stalks at different levels were in the same group up to 50%, but they had lower values compared to wheat stalks. The strength and tensile modulus of all treatments showed a decreasing trend. The impact strength of both types of composites prepared decreased, but the composites prepared with particles derived from soda pulp from rice stalks had lower impact resistance compared to wheat stalks.

Conclusion: According to the results of this work, the use of particles derived from soda pulp from wheat stalks in combination with polypropylene polymer had more suitable characteristics compared to particles derived from soda pulp from rice stalks. Composites made by 30% particles derived from soda pulp from wheat stalks in combination with polypropylene had better flexural and tensile strength, flexural and tensile modulus, impact strength and thickness swelling within 2 and 24 hours compared to other treatments. That is, by replacing 30% of this type of waste instead of plastic polymers, composites with desirable properties can be prepared. This means that in addition to producing an environmentally friendly product, the added value of this type of waste also increases. As a result, this type of waste and inexpensive lignocellulosic raw material can be recommended for the production of products whose mechanical properties are not critical and are not exposed to high humidity.

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Main Subjects

References

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 32, Issue 3
September 2025
Pages 127-143

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