Wood Filler(WF)-recycled Polypropylene (RPP) Composite Pallet: Study of Static Deformation using FEA and Shadow Moire

Pallets used in materials handling are mostly made from wood. Wood pallets can, however, undergo degradation and fungal attack when used in the open. Composite materials derived from waste wood sawdust and recycled plastic have significant potential for use in the manufacture of pallets. In this study, wood filler (WF)-recycled polypropylene (RPP) composite was used to fabricate a one-fifth scale model of a pallet. For mechanical property testing, several composite boards were prepared with filler of particle sizes 100 mm and 300 mm and filler content varying from 10% to 40% (by weight). The mechanical properties were used in the finite element analysis (FEA) to predict the deformation of the pallet under static load. An experimental rig using shadow moire method was developed to measure the actual deformation of the pallet. Close agreement in the deflection profile was observed at the center of the pallet, though there was a greater difference at other points.