Mechanical and Physical Properties of Green Biocomposite Based on Medium Density Fiberboard Sanding Powder/Polyethylene/Nanoclay

Medium density fiberboard (MDF) sanding powder is an industrial waste that has not been yet used as a raw material to produce composites. In this study, the influence of nanoclay particles on the flexural and impact strengths and the withdrawal strength of green biocomposites (based on MDF sanding powder/polyethylene/nanoclay) were investigated. For this aim, medium density fiberboard sanding dust and polyethylene were used as the lignocellulosic and thermoplastic material, respectively. In addition, maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene was used in three weight percentages (0, 3 and 6 %) as a coupling agent and compatibilizer, and Cloisite®15A was used in four weight percentages (0, 2, 4 and 6 %). To prepare samples, wood-plastic granules were produced by using a twin-screw extruder followed by the hot pressing method. The mechanical and physical properties were measured according to the CEN/TS15534:2007 and ASTM-D256 technical specifications. The results showed that the coupling agent improved the mechanical and physical properties of biocomposites; however, its effect might be affected by the nanoclay particles. Furthermore, the ultrastructure of the biocomposites was surveyed with SEM.