Wood-plastic composite (WPC) is an innovative material that combines the properties of wood and plastic, offering an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional materials. This combination provides a durable solution with less maintenance required compared to natural wood. The use of WPC in construction and other industries brings numerous advantages, including durability, resistance to weathering, low thermal expansion, and relatively good mechanical properties. In our thesis, we focused on investigating the influence of bark utilization on the properties of WPC. Bark, as a potentially interesting ligno-cellulosic material, was used as a substitute for wood in the composite while polyethylene was used as the plastic component in the manufacturing process. Our research aimed to understand how the presence of bark affects the various physical and mechanical properties of WPC material. The main findings of our study were that the thickness of WPC boards increases with an increasing proportion of bark, while the density remains relatively constant. Additionally, we observed weaker bonds between bark particles, leading to reduced mechanical strength and increased material deformation. A higher proportion of bark also resulted in greater water absorption and thus increased swelling of the material.
|
