Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Wood Particles Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

Natural fiber composites are more attractive due to their high specific strength and lightweight. The focus in this work has been to study the influence of wood fibres on the mechanical properties of the polymer composites manufactured by extrusion and injection moulding process. Tensile and flexural tests were conducted to evaluate the tensile and flexural properties of the compounded composites. The interfacial properties, internal cracks are evaluated by using Scanning Electron Microscope. The results indicate flexural strength of the wood plastic composites increases with decrease in wood particles content. The tensile strength of pure plastic blend is higher compared to wood plastic composites.