Manufacture and study the mechanical, thermal and physical properties of plastic wood

Abstract This study focuses on evaluating the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity of unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites reinforced with Pistacia shells (Pi-S). Wood-plastic composites were prepared using UPE reinforced with Pi-S at different weight ratios (50%, 60%, 70%). The main objective of this work is to recycle Pistacia shells in significant proportions and assess the impact of using Pi-S as reinforcing materials in UPE. Mechanical tests, such as Shore D hardness, impact resistance, and compressive strength, were employed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the composites. The results showed that the 50% weight ratio achieved the highest values in all tests compared to other ratios (60%, 70%). Impact resistance increased to 10.15 Kj/m2 at the 50% weight ratio, followed by the 60% weight ratio with the highest impact resistance. The results also indicated a slight decrease in Shore D hardness with an increase in the weight ratio and a decrease in compressive strength. Regarding thermal conductivity, the highest thermal conductivity value was at the 50% weight ratio, with a value of 0.68118762 W/mk. It then decreased at the other weight ratios but remained higher than the thermal conductivity of pure unsaturated polyester. This technique allows for the full utilization of Pistacia shells in the wood-plastic industry, contributing to various applications such as wooden and plastic flooring, surfaces, doors, and more.