Mechanical properties of extruded continuous glass fiber reinforced wood Particle/HDPE composites: Effects of glass bundle tex and arrangement

Mechanical properties considerably reduce in wood-plastic composites (WPCs) due to the use of wood particles, so the structural applications of these composites are scarce. Thus, embedding continuous fibers is considered the most reliable method for increasing mechanical properties, although there are still challenges in employing this method on a large scale. In this study, an elaborated, special modular die with the capability of adjusting 14 rovings of continuous fibers was designed, manufactured, and implemented to simultaneously embed continuous glass fibers into the extruded WPC profile. More precisely, it was aimed to investigate the arrangement of fiber rovings into the desired positions in a WPC profile of 70 wt% wood content. Also, the effect of the glass bundle tex (at three level, 1200,2400 and 4800) and the fiber position (at four levels, 0, 2, 4, and 6 mm of relative movement of the guides) on the mechanical properties of WPCs was evaluated. According to the results, the flexural strength of reinforced specimens for 1200, 2400, and 4800 texes increased by 85.8, 107, and 159.7%, respectively, compared with the non-reinforced composite. Theoretical values were calculated and compared with experimental outcomes. Based on the results, The failure mode was non-catastrophic, which means the specimens were able to carry partial loading; a desirable characteristic for the structural applications.

Automated summary

The mechanical properties of wood-plastic composites (WPCs) are reduced due to the use of wood particles, making their structural applications scarce. Embedding continuous fibers is considered the most effective method for increasing mechanical properties, although there are challenges in large-scale implementation. This study designed and implemented a modular die to embed continuous glass fibers into extruded WPC profiles, investigating the positioning of fiber rovings and evaluating the effect of fiber characteristics on the mechanical properties of WPCs. The results showed significant improvements in flexural strength for reinforced specimens compared to non-reinforced composites, with a non-catastrophic failure mode observed.