Physical and Mechanical Properties of Wood-Polypropylene Composites Made with Virgin and/or Recycled Polypropylene

The physical and mechanical properties of wood-polymer composites made with virgin or recycled polypropylene, or a mixture of these were studied. The composites made with recycled polypropylene had higher density, lower porosity, and higher dimensional stability compared to the composites made with virgin polypropylene. Although the composites made with recycled polypropylene exhibited lower tensile strength than those made with virgin polypropylene, they had higher Charpy impact strength. Scanning electron microscopy analysis of the fractured surfaces of the composites showed no significant differences in the fracture mechanisms of the studied composites. The degree of crystallinity was estimated to be higher for the virgin polypropylene than for the recycled one.