Mechanical and thermal properties of polystyrene and medium density fiberboard composites

Abstract

Virgin polystyrene (PS) composites were reinforced with medium density fiberboard (MDF) residue, considering the influence of fiber content. The composites were evaluated for their morphology, identification of functional groups and thermal behavior. Mechanical tests and a degradation study under ultraviolet radiation (UV) were also performed. The results showed that the best properties were obtained for composites with 4% by mass of MDF waste. The addition of residue was found to increase thermal stability of polystyrene compared to its pure form. The morphology of the composites showed homogeneity of the material. In the degradation tests under ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it was found that the presence of MDF residue slows down the matrix degradation process when evaluated by means of tensile strength. Polystyrene composites reinforced with MDF residues showed good mechanical properties and can be applied in the development of materials that do not need a good appearance.

Preparation and characterization of short date palm mat (DPM) fiber reinforced polystyrene composites: Effect of gamma radiation

“…The main FTIR peaks are listed in Table 2 . In the case of polystyrene, the peak at 2923 cm −1 relates to H–C–H asymmetric stretch signifying the presence of alkane group [ 3 ]. The peak at around 1700-1500 cm −1 , indicates C C aromatic stretching [ 30 ].…”

“…For short date palm mat fiber reinforced composites, the peak at 3331 cm −1 may relate to hydrogen-bonded O–H stretching vibrations [ 32 ] which is absent in the 100 % polystyrene. The peaks at 1250 cm −1 and 1027 cm −1 resemble to the C–O stretch of the acetyl group, existing in lignin and hemicellulose [ 3 ]. Besides, the characteristic peaks of polystyrene matrix also found for the composites.…”

“…The development of polymer composites with natural fibers has received great attention as an environmental friendly and economically sustainable substitute [ 1 , 2 ]. Polystyrene is the most extensively used synthetic plastic materials in the world which displays good mechanical properties, dimensional stability, electrical insulation properties, anticorrosive properties, transparency and easy processing [ 3 , 4 ]. Hence, polystyrene finds use in a variety of applications for instance refrigerator liners, home appliances, food packaging, vending cups, cousion materials during transportation of products, automotive and engineering industry etc [ [4] , [5] , [6] ].…”

Structural analysis and characterization of lead oxide

“…On the other hand, lead oxide nanoparticles are categorized as toxic and hazardous to humans and the environment, even though may act as effective anticancer and antimicrobial agents [16]. Many researchers have studied the thermal properties of PS-based composites; Kreutz et al [17] examined the effect of fiber content on the thermal properties of polystyrene reinforced with medium density fiberboard (MDF). They discovered that even though the presence of MDF improved the thermal stability of PS, the weight percentage of MDF did not affect the composite's degradation temperature.…”