Municipal Solid Waste as a Source of Lignocellulosic Fiber and Plastic for Composite Industries

Abstract

Municipal solid wastes (MSWs) generated each year contain potentially useful and recyclable materials for composites. Interest is high for the use of MSWs in composites, thus providing cost and environmental benefits. The main objective of this study was to show the potential of municipal solid waste materials for making wood plastic composites. The possibility of using recycled materials in the development of composites is very attractive, especially with respect to the large quantity of wood and plastic waste generated daily. Waste wood and paper can meet all the requirements in order to replace inorganic fillers in thermoplastic composites. Advantages associated with biocomposite products include lighter weight and improved acoustic, impact, and heat reformability properties—all at a cost less than that of comparable products made from plastics alone. In addition, these composites can possibly be reclaimed and recycled for the production of second-generation composites.

Keywords:

• Biodegradable
• Composite
• Green chemistry, Mechanical properties
• Waste materials

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Financial support (F. No. 600-47) from the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST) is gratefully acknowledged. The author also wishes to thank Dr. M. H. Eikani for his help and advice during this work.

Notes

Source: Adapted from Recycling Organization of Tehran Municipal report.