Preparation of Artificial Wood From Plastic and Coir Fiber

Abstract

This research was preparing of wood plastic composites (WPCs) material from linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and coir fiber to obtain an environmentally friendly artificial wood for structural application. Coir fiber was collected from a local in Uttaradit province. The wood plastic composites mixtures were pretreated at various weight ratios of LLDPE and coir fiber which were 100:0, 95:5, 90:10, and 85:15. The mixed materials were manufactured by flat-pressed method at temperatures 170 ๐C for 40 mins in an electric oven. The density, water absorption, tensile and impact strength of the WPCs samples produced were determined according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) method. The experimental results were found that water absorption and density increased whereas tensile strengths and impact strengths decreased by the ratio of coir fiber which increased.