Processing Considerations in the Recycling of Wood-Plastic Composites

This paper presents an experimental investigation on the reprocessing of the wood plastic composites in extrusion process with emphasis on processing differences. At the first stage of the production, 60% wt. of wood sawdust with HDPE fed into the hopper and rod shape profiles were produced. At the second stage produced specimens were ground to obtain WPC granules which were processed again to manufacture the same profile. Results showed higher sensitivity of the profiles surface quality to the barrel and die temperature in the reprocessing stage. While the production of desired profile in the first process is possible through the relatively broad range of die temperature. Results also revealed higher flow rate and lower die pressure in the reprocessing stage which is in consistent with complex viscosity results. Product irregularities and flow instabilities beyond the safe die temperature were also investigated in this study

Keywords:

Wood Plastic Composites , Reprocessing , Recycling Consideration