Microscopic Study on The Effect of Particle Content and Its Distribution on Decay of Sawdust-Polypropylene Composite

Document Type : Complete scientific research article

Abstract

In this research, the decay resistance of sawdust–polypropylene composite has been evaluated by microscope. The scope of research was to assess the effect of different weight percentages of sawdust (45%, 60% and 75%) sawdust distribution on the fungal decay. ASTM D1413-99 test method was used to carry out decay test and Trametes versicolor was chosen as a white rot fungus.After 12 weeks exposure of the composites samples to the fungi, the weight losses were determind using Soil Block test. Analyzing the data using ANOVA one way statistical method, it has been shown that the weight losses of the composite due to decay were proportional to the sawdust weight percentages. Also, it was found that weight losses were higher in those treatments with upper sawdust percentages. In order to microscopic study, a light microscope was used.The results showed that increasing in the weight percentage of sawdust, led to particles aggregation, their nonuniform dispersion, decreasing in particles encapsulating by polymer and increasing in hollows and voids between sawdust and polypropylene which made the composite susceptible forfungi attack.

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Journal of Wood and Forest Science and Technology
Volume 18, Issue 3 - Serial Number 3
February 2012
Pages 49-62

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