Effect of boron compounds on the thermal and combustion properties of wood-plastic composites

Abstract

In this study, the thermal properties and fire resistances of the wood plastic composites produced with waste lignocellulosic materials were investigated. For this purpose, lignocellulosic waste, high density polyethylene, (HDPE) sodium borate (borax) and boric acid was used to produce the wood-plastic composites. A twin-screw extruder was used during the production of the wood plastic composites. The produced composite granule was pressed at 175 °C hot press. The effects of boric acid and borax added to wood plastic composites were investigated with the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), the horizontal burning rate and the limiting oxygen index (LOI). According to the results, it was understood that as the amount of the boron compounds was increased, the burning degree (°C) of the composite material increased. Furthermore, the using of the boric acid and sodium borate in the production of the wood plastic composite decreased burning speed.