Evaluation of mechanical and water absorption properties of alkaline-treated sawdust-reinforced polypropylene composite

Abstract

Sawdust is a natural composite obtained from natural resources such as shrubs and trees and in a large amount from the wood industry as a waste. This study aimed to evaluate the mechanical and water absorption properties of alkaline-treated wood sawdust-reinforced polypropylene composite. The composites were manufactured by the melt-mixing method followed by compression molding with amounts of wood sawdust ranging from 10, 20, 30, and 40 to 50 wt. % by volume. The produced composites were characterized for their mechanical and water absorption characteristics. The results indicated that increasing the amount of wood sawdust content up to 40% improves the tensile, flexural, impact, and compressive strength of the composites but after the wood sawdust contents reach 40%, the mechanical properties of the composite were decreased. Water absorption rate has increased with an increase in the wood sawdust proportion; this is due to the presence of -OH groups on the surface of wood particles. From the result of this study, it can be also concluded that the optimal mechanical and water absorption properties were attained at 40% wood sawdust content. Therefore, sawdust can be used as filler and reinforcement in the PP matrix, which will reduce cost and give environmental benefits.