Recycled polyvinyl chloride composites: Effect of kenaf and wood fibers on mechanical and flammability properties

Abstract Plastic waste is a global concern due to its environmental and health risks. Recycling plastics offers a sustainable solution by transforming waste into new materials. This study focused on developing recycled polyvinyl chloride (PVCr) composites reinforced with kenaf and wood fibers. The composites were fabricated via the melting method using a twin‐screw extruder and compression molding, and their mechanical and flammability properties were assessed. Adding 20% kenaf or wood fiber significantly enhanced the composites' tensile and flexural strengths. Kenaf fiber improved both strength and modulus, with 20% loading increasing flexural strength by 95% and tensile strength by 54%, compared to 10% loading. Similarly, wood fiber composites showed a 21% increase in flexural strength and a 55% improvement in tensile strength at 20% fiber content. Overall, kenaf fiber outperformed wood fiber in tensile and flexural properties. In flammability tests, all samples exhibited self‐extinguishing behavior, with flames extinguishing before reaching the 25 mm mark in the horizontal burning test. These findings demonstrate that recycled PVC composites reinforced with kenaf and wood fibers offer improved mechanical performance and fire resistance, making them suitable for various engineering applications. Highlights Adding 20 wt.% kenaf or wood fiber to recycled PVC increased strength and modulus compared to a 10 wt.% loading. Tensile and flexural modulus improved with kenaf fiber addition. Kenaf fiber outperforms wood fiber in tensile and flexural strength. Horizontal burning test showed self‐extinguishing properties in all samples.