Author
For further details log on website :
http://www.tribology.fink.rs/journals/2011/2011-1/2.pdf
C.U. ATUANYA, A.O.A. IBHADODE, A.C. IGBOANUGO
The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of using recycled low density polyethylene
(RLDPE) in wood board manufacturing. The composite board was produced by compressive
moulding by increasing the percentage LDPE from 30 to 50wt% with interval of 10wt% at a
temperatures of 140 and 180oC, pressure of 30-40 Kg/cm2 and pressing time 7-13minutes. The
microstructure and mechanical properties: modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity
(MOE), Tensile strength, impact strength properties of boards were determined. The results
showed that high modulus of rupture of 20.31N/mm2 and MOE of 1363N/mm2 were obtained
from board produced at 140oC, 60/40wt% wood particles/LDPE content. The uniform
distribution of the particles and the recycled LDPE in the microstructure of the composites
board is the major factor responsible for the improvement in the mechanical properties. The
results showed that the MOE, MOR meets the minimum requirements of the European
standards, for general purpose. The boards produced had tensile strength that is within the
requirement. Hence this LDPE can be used in board production for general purpose
applications.
Keywords: Board composites, Wood, Recycled Low-Density Polyethylene and Mechanical properties.
Keywords: Board composites, Wood, Recycled Low-Density Polyethylene and Mechanical properties.
1. INTRODUCTION
Traditionally, particleboard has been made out of wood-based fibers bound together using a formaldehyde resin. The desired thickness is achieved by using a hot press that forms the board into sheets [1-2]. Particleboard has a homogenous structure and can be manufactured in different sizes, thickness, densities and grades for numerous uses, making it a desirable material with which to work [3]. One of the major challenges associated with wood-based particleboard is the use of formaldehyde resin. Formaldehyde is a volatile, colorless gas with a strong odor that is commonly used in industrial processes, particularly in manufacturing building materials [3-5].
Pressed wood products, such as wood-based particleboard and medium density fiberboard, are made using adhesive resins containing urea- formaldehyde. Off-gassing levels are at their heighest when the products are new, with emissions tapering off as they age. Exposure to formaldehyde in concentrations greater than 0.1 parts per million (ppm) can cause nasal and throat congestions, burning eyes, or headaches as well as increasing the risk of developing cancer [5]. It also escalates the number of “sick building syndrome” cases. Many wood-based building materials or furniture products that utilize formaldehyde resins may off-gas, contributing to reduced IAQ level.
Environmentally friendly alternatives to these wood- based materials include products that use Polyethylene resins, which can help reduce or eliminate the formaldehyde that otherwise would be emitted into the air [6-8]. However studies on wood particleboard composites based on recycled low- density Polyethylene (LDPE) are very limited [2]. With the current high interest in recycling, it was decided to make a wood/plastic composites using a post-consumer plsastic (granulated low density polyethylene (LDPE). Hence, the aim of this present study was to explore the use of recycled LDPE for the production of wood particleboard composites. The effect of production parameter i.e pressure, temperature and time on the microstructure and mechanical properties is also investigated.
C. U. Atuanya, A. O. A. Ibhadode, Igboanugo A. C. Department of Production Engineering,
University of Benin, Edo-State, Nigeria
E-mail: atueye@yahoo.com
Traditionally, particleboard has been made out of wood-based fibers bound together using a formaldehyde resin. The desired thickness is achieved by using a hot press that forms the board into sheets [1-2]. Particleboard has a homogenous structure and can be manufactured in different sizes, thickness, densities and grades for numerous uses, making it a desirable material with which to work [3]. One of the major challenges associated with wood-based particleboard is the use of formaldehyde resin. Formaldehyde is a volatile, colorless gas with a strong odor that is commonly used in industrial processes, particularly in manufacturing building materials [3-5].
Pressed wood products, such as wood-based particleboard and medium density fiberboard, are made using adhesive resins containing urea- formaldehyde. Off-gassing levels are at their heighest when the products are new, with emissions tapering off as they age. Exposure to formaldehyde in concentrations greater than 0.1 parts per million (ppm) can cause nasal and throat congestions, burning eyes, or headaches as well as increasing the risk of developing cancer [5]. It also escalates the number of “sick building syndrome” cases. Many wood-based building materials or furniture products that utilize formaldehyde resins may off-gas, contributing to reduced IAQ level.
Environmentally friendly alternatives to these wood- based materials include products that use Polyethylene resins, which can help reduce or eliminate the formaldehyde that otherwise would be emitted into the air [6-8]. However studies on wood particleboard composites based on recycled low- density Polyethylene (LDPE) are very limited [2]. With the current high interest in recycling, it was decided to make a wood/plastic composites using a post-consumer plsastic (granulated low density polyethylene (LDPE). Hence, the aim of this present study was to explore the use of recycled LDPE for the production of wood particleboard composites. The effect of production parameter i.e pressure, temperature and time on the microstructure and mechanical properties is also investigated.
C. U. Atuanya, A. O. A. Ibhadode, Igboanugo A. C. Department of Production Engineering,
University of Benin, Edo-State, Nigeria
E-mail: atueye@yahoo.com
Tribology in industry, Volume 33, No. 1, 2011.
For further details log on website :
http://www.tribology.fink.rs/journals/2011/2011-1/2.pdf
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