WOOD PARTICLEBOARDS REINFORCED WITH THERMOPLASTICS TO IMPROVE THICKNESS SWELLING AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES.

Abstract

In this work was evaluated the mechanical properties and thickness of swelling in wood plastic composite made by extrusion using Pinus caribaea sawdust and three types of recycled thermoplastics (PET, LDPE, PP). Four formulations with different proportions of thermoplastics combined or not were assessed. The mechanical parameters evaluated were static bending, longitudinal compression and perpendicular traction parallel to the faces, to evaluate the thickness of swelling the boards were submersed in water at ambient temperature (25 °C) and analyzed in intervals during 1500 hours. The results indicated that there is a tendency to reduce the thickness of swelling in treatment four in relation the other treatments. The mixing of the thermoplastics in this treatment caused a decrease in water absorption improving this physical property of swelling. This treatment showed better mechanical properties. It is important to note that treatment 3 showed similar mechanical properties, and good response in relation to swelling.