Polymeric matrix composites at reduced environmental impact

This work focused on the use of bio-derived charge, in order to reduce the environmental impact of traditional oil-based polymers (HDPE in this case). In fact, we introduced waste paper fibres and a starch-derived polymer in Wood Plastic Composites (WPC). We produced different materials: 10 wt% of recycled paper fibres (10F), 30 wt% of wood flour (30W) and a mix of two fillers (30W10F). Polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (MAPE) has been introduced as compatibilizer and a NaOH immersion treatment on both cellulosic filler has been done in order to improve composites properties. A starch-derived polymer was then added to the matrix to reduce HDPE amount (30W10F15S). Samples were produced through turbomixing followed by compression moulding technique, and then subjected to tensile tests, SEM analysis, water absorption tests and hardness tests (Shore D). Results evidenced a synergic effect of both cellulosic fillers, and the best results were obtained for 30 wt% wood, 10 wt% fibre of paper, and 3 wt% of MAPE, in which MAPE addition improved interfaces. Samples with starch-derived polymers have shown typical blends morphologies, and cellulosic fillers treated with NAOH revealed an effective attack. The hardness measure displayed that the presence of cellulosic recycled fibres increased both superficial hardness of the composite and temperature resistance, while the presence of starch-derived polymer and fibres treated with NaOH caused a higher softening effect. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers.