Improving durability of wood-mixed waste plastic composites with compatibilizers

Abstract

Wood-plastic composites are often used in applications where they are exposed to weathering effects, e.g. decking, siding and automotive applications, hence weathering properties are important in addition to mechanical properties in terms of usability. In this paper, effect of four different compatibilizers on durability of composites made of wood and mixed waste plastics at two levels of addition was investigated and compared with a reference made without a compatibilizer. Effect of mixing of compatibilizers on performance of the composites was also tested. The mixed waste plastic used consisted of polyethylene and polypropylene originating from commingled construction and municipal solid waste. The findings showed that the durability and weathering resistance of wood-plastic composites made from mixed waste plastics can be improved by using selected compatibilizers. The type and content of the compatibilizer have a notable influence on the effect. The properties of the composites can also be adjusted by hybridizing different compatibilizers, promoting the reuse of mixed waste plastics in wood-plastic composites.