Abstract:
This thesis investigates the impact of varying wood dust particle sizes and quantities on the functional attributes of wood plastic composites (WPCs). These composites are prepared using virgin high density polyethylene (vHDPE) and African Copaiba Balsam (Daniella oliveri) wood dust, which has been treated with diluted sodium hydroxide (NaOH), employing the compression moulding technique. Through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and physical/mechanical tests, alterations in the structure and properties of the WPCs resulting from changes in Daniella oliveri wood dust particle size distribution and content are examined. The study findings suggest that selecting an appropriate wood particle size distribution and content enhances the interaction between the dust and the vHDPE matrix. The research implies that optimal mechanical, physical, and micro-structural WPC properties are achieved when diluted NaOH-treated Daniella oliveri wood dust with a particle size distribution of +300-425µm and a content of 35wt% is blended with the vHDPE matrix at 160°C, under a pressure of 3.05 MPa for 5 seconds. The mechanical properties of the resulting WPCs indicate the potential for engineering applications such as household television frames using the optimized characteristics of Daniella oliveri wood dust.
MANUFACTURING WOOD POLYMER COMPOSITE USING WOOD DUST FROM AFRICAN COPAIBA BALSAM (DANIELLA OLIVERI). GET MORE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE PROJECT TOPICS AND MATERIALS
