Physical and morphological effects of cellulose nano-fibers and nano-clay on biodegradable WPC made of recycled starch and industrial sawdust

Abstract

Effects of adding small amounts of cellulose nanofibers and nanoclay particles on physical and morphological properties of biodegradable composites made of starch thermoplastic polymer and industrial sawdust were investigated. For this purpose, these nanoparticles were mixed with wood plastic composites (WPCs) at 0%, 3%, and 5% weight percent. Water absorption, thickness swelling, thermal dynamic mechanical tests, and also degradation tests were performed according to corresponding standard test methods. The results showed that adding small amounts of cellulose nanofibers and nanoclay particles can be successfully used as filler and improve overall performance of the above-mentioned WPCs.