Wood Flour Composites: Obtaining and Research

In this research, we discuss the variations in producing new composite materials using natural row material wood flour (60%), as a primary ingredient, eco-friendly binder poly[(trimethoxy)4-vinylphenethyl)]silane (3, 5, and 30%) and styrene with different degrees of silylation (25 and 27%), under constant pressure and at the various temperatures. The composites were obtained via hot pressing. In addition to the binder, various additives, antioxidants, and antipirene were employed in the manufacturing process. The composition of novel wood flour composites (WFC) was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which has demonstrated the presence of chemical bonds between the components in the composites as a consequence of reactions among the active groups of the ingredients. These bonds may be the primary factor responsible for the enhanced physicomechanical and thermal properties of the obtained composites, and increased resistance to water. It has been demonstrated that the properties of composites are contingent upon the concentration of the binders employed. The research results indicate that the maximum values of the noted parameters for the composite's appearance are observed at relatively high concentrations of binders. Manufactured composites were studied surface morphology by optical microscopic, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and energy dispersion (EDS) micro-X-ray analysis. Thermal properties of WFC were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry, and the Vicat method. Also, water absorption was studied.