Processing of wood produces large amounts and different types of wood residues. Nowadays a part of these residues is used in production of wood plastic composites (WPC). It is known that wood particle characteristics (size, length/diameter ratio, shape etc.) significantly influence properties of WPC, however for thermally modified wood the information about these effects is limited. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to investigate how different size fractions of thermally modified wood particles influence mechanical and water resistance properties of WPC. The results showed that the impact strength increased, however the modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity decreased by increasing wood particle size for both thermally modified and unmodified wood. However, for thermally modified wood the particle size had a significantly smaller influence (in some cases no influence) on the mechanical properties compared to unmodified wood. The wood particle size had no effect on WPC water absorption dynamics and ultimate water uptake in case of thermally modified wood.
Keywords: Wood plastic composites, Thermally modified wood, Wood particle size, Mechanical properties, Water resistance
Authors
Kuka E.
Laboratory of Wood Biodegradation and Protection, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Riga
Faculty of Material Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, Riga
Cirule D.
Laboratory of Wood Biodegradation and Protection, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Riga
Kajaks J.
Faculty of Material Science and Applied Chemistry, Riga Technical University, Riga
Andersone I.
Laboratory of Wood Biodegradation and Protection, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Riga
Andersons B.
Laboratory of Wood Biodegradation and Protection, Latvian State Institute of Wood Chemistry, Riga
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