Effects of the Mixing Ratio of Wood and Plastic on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wood-Plastic Composite Materials

Authors

  • thitipong unchai Program of Physics, Faculty of Science, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University
  • Sunida Thongtho Program of Environmental science, Faculty of Science, Ubon Ratchathani Rajabhat University
  • Adun Janyalertadun Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Ubon Ratchathani University

Keywords:

Wood-plastic composites (WPCs), Tensile strength, Compressive strength, Flexural strength

Abstract

This research aims to develop a composite material made from HDPE plastic combined with either ground wood or sawdust to develop composite materials from waste materials. The raw materials used have particle sizes ranging from 0.2 to 0.7 millimetres and are mixed at ratios of 20 to 50 wt%. The mixture is then heated at 185°C for 20 minutes, followed by cooling for 40 minutes, depending on the type and ratio of the mixture. The physical and mechanical properties of the composites are then tested. The results of the relative density tests show that the density of the composite increases with a higher ratio of wood to plastic. Additionally, composites made with ground wood have a higher density than those made from sawdust at all wood-to-plastic ratios. The water absorption tests indicate that the water absorption of the composite ranges from 4.34 to 34.25%, increasing with the wood-to-plastic ratio. The tensile strength tests reveal that at a 20 wt% ratio, the composite containing sawdust achieves the highest average tensile strength of 16.70 MPa. The compressive strength tests of the composite do not show a clear trend with changing wood-to-plastic ratios, ranging from 13.83 to 16.67 MPa. The flexural strength tests indicate that the flexural strength of the composite decreases with an increasing wood-to-plastic ratio. When the composite plastic is molded into three types of prototype products: load-bearing products, indoor-use products, and outdoor-use products, it is found that the composite plastic is suitable for use in indoor and outdoor products. However, it is not yet highly suitable for use as a load-bearing material, and the mixing ratios or production processes may need to be adjusted for better suitability.

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Published

2025-12-23

How to Cite

unchai, thitipong, Thongtho, S., & Janyalertadun, A. (2025). Effects of the Mixing Ratio of Wood and Plastic on Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wood-Plastic Composite Materials. Science Journal, Chandrakasem Rajabhat University, 35(2), 55–67. retrieved from https://ph03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/scicru/article/view/4102

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Research Articles