Wastes from Wood Extraction Used in Composite Materials: Behavior after Accelerated Weathering

Abstract

New materials were obtained by incorporating in polypropylene (PP) matrix 60% wood wastes resulting after extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide, water, and ethanol. Structural, mechanical, thermal, and rheological characterizations, as well as moisture uptake of the composites, were evaluated before and after accelerated weathering. It was found that the extraction method influenced the composite properties due to the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance. The addition of extracted fibers results in an increase in hardness and tensile properties and a decrease of impact strength as compared to PP.

Keywords:

• Accelerated weathering
• Composite
• Extraction
• Lignocellulosic fibers
• Wood waste

Notes

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