Some Properties of Eucalyptus Wood Flour Filled Recycled High Density Polyethylene Polymer-Composites

The mechanical properties of eucalyptus wood flours (EWF) filled recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were investigated. First thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis were conducted for recycled HDPE and EWF. Later the effects of EWF and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) concentrations were studied. TGA analysis revealed that EWF and recycled HDPE started degrading around 230 degrees C and 280 degrees C, respectively. Melting temperature of the recycled HDPE was around 129 degrees C. Mechanical property evaluation showed that the increased concentration of EWF in polymer-composites reduced the tensile, flexural, and impact strength while increased the tensile and flexural modulus. The addition of small amount of MAPE coupling agent improved the tensile and flexural strength but this increase was leveled off at higher concentrations. Impact strength of the composites was reduced by the coupling agent. This study showed that polymer-composites can be manufactured utilizing recycled HDPE and eucalyptus wood flours in the process temperature range of 130-230 degrees C and could provide additional income for the lumber mills and promote the recycling of HDPE.