The effect of different filler loading and types of filler on the mechanical and physical properties of wood plastic composite from sapium baccatum (Ludai sp.) / Nurul Najwa Hamis

The reducing of log supply had become the biggest problem to the wood industry. The
production of wood based panel was the best solution. Wood plastic composite was one of
the examples of wood based panel. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of
different filler loadings and types of filler on the mechanical and physical properties of wood
plastic composite made from Ludai sp. Two types of filler were used virgin polypropylene
and mixed of recycled plastics (PP, HDPE and LOPE) which obtained around UiTM Jengka.
Three filler loadings were used 30%, 40% and 50% of Ludai sawdust. Sawdust and plastics
were blended in the dispersion mixer for I hour at 180°C before hot pressed and cold pressed.
After that testing on bending, tensile, water absorption and thickness swelling were
conducted. Results shown that there were no significant effects of filler loadings on both
testing mechanical and physical properties. For types of filler only bending MOR and MOE
had significant effect. 30% filler loading shown the highest mechanical and physical
properties compared to 40% and 50% while virgin polypropylene showed slightly better than
recycled plastics.