Study of Mechanical and Physical Properties of Wood-Plastic Composites Made of Low Density Polyethylene, Wood Flour and Nanoclay

With growing accumulation of pastic waste over the decades has caused environmental awareness, ecological concerns and new legislations. Because of this wood fiber-reinforced plastic composites have received increasing attention during the recent decades. Here study is focused to evaluate the mechanical and physical properties of wood plastic composites made of low density polyethylene, wood flour and nanoclay. Interfacial strength of wood plastic composite is increased by treating teak wood fibers with NaOH solution. Low density polyethylene is melted in a graphite crucible by placing in an oven by maintaining temperature in the range of 1100 C-1200 C.Thorough mixing of treated teak wood fibers, nanoclay and melted thermoplastic is done. Then the mixture is transferred to the die and rammed by applying hand pressure to the rammer. After solidification of the mixture; the specimens were ejected from the die. Mechanical and physical tests were conducted to evaluate the results.