Wood-polymer composites based on polyvinyl chloride reinforced with chrysotile asbestos

The problem of reinforcing wood-polymer composites (WPC) is currently being solved by the introduction of bonding agents that improve adhesion between wood filler and polymer. However, the introduction of such additives does not strengthen these composites to the extent that they can be used in new areas of construction. Filling of composites with fiber modifiers shows its high efficiency. In this paper, the effect of chrysotile-asbestos fibers of different lengths on physical and mechanical characteristics of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based wood-polymer composites was studied. The study showed that the most effective fibers for reinforcing WPC were 2 mm long, with a 25 % increase in tensile strength and a 38 % increase in flexural strength. The optimum asbestos content was 7.5 pbw for all fiber lengths. The proposed compositions of PVC-based WPCs will make it possible to expand the range of products based on them, including in the field of structural plastics.