Preparation and properties of wood dust (isoberlinia doka) reinforced polystyrene composites

There is a rising demand for natural fiber reinforced polystyrene composite materials because of the toxicity associated with mineral-based composites and the rising environmental problems associated with the proliferation of polystyrene waste. This study describes the development and characterization of wood dust (isoberlinia doka) reinforced polystyrene composites by hand lay-up method at moderate pressure and examining the influence of filler concentration (15, 30 and 45%), filler size (149, 250 and 841 mu m) and NaOH concentration (2, 4 and 6%) on the mechanical behaviors of the composite. Also, the influence of filler concentration on the thermal properties of the composite was investigated. The composites produced were characterized to determine their mechanical, thermal and microstructural properties. Results from the study revealed that the mechanical properties were greatly improved at 30% filler concentration, 841 mu m filler size and 4% NaOH concentration process condition. Also, there was a significant improvement in the thermal property of the composite at 30% filler, while the microstructural study gave a hint of good interaction between the filler and the polymer matrix.

Automated summary

This study developed wood dust reinforced polystyrene composites and investigated the influence of filler concentration, filler size, and NaOH concentration on the material properties. It was found that under specific conditions, the mechanical and thermal properties of the composite were significantly improved.