Evaluation of the strength and sorption properties of injection-moulded plastic composites of teak (<i>Tectona grandis</i>) and Ò/ mò/ (<i>Cordia millenii</i>) Woods

Abstract

Wood and plastic wastes are sources of environmental pollution. Conversion of these items into value added moisture resistance products can curtail this menace. This work examined the strength and sorption properties of injection-moulded wood plastic composites of teak (Tectona grandis) and ò/mò/ (Cordia millenii) woods using disused automobile battery cases and virgin polypropylene plastics. Milled particles of teak (Tectona grandis) and ò/mò/ (Cordia millenii) woods were injected in an injection moulder with disused automobile battery cases and virgin polypropylene plastics and fabricated into plastic composites. The fabricated boards were cut to specimen sizes in accordance with ASTM D 790-07 and D 570-98, tested on a universal testing machine for flexural properties while sorption properties were determined after soaking in water for 2 and then 144 hours. The results obtained indicated that the composites possessed adequate strength (modulus of rupture: 18.2 – 28.1 N/mm²) applicable for structural purposes and were dimensionally stable with low sorption and swelling rates (water absorption: 0.0 -1.07%; thickness swelling 0.0 - 0.67%).

Keywords: Wood plastic composites, Injection moulding, Tectona grandis and Cordia millenii