This work aimed to carry out a characterization of composites made of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and different types of furniture industry-derived sawdust. The composites were produced by extrusion, using a 35 mm single-screw extruder, at temperatures of 160ºC, 170ºC and 180ºC in zones 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Particleboard residues from Pinus taeda sawdust, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and Eucalyptus grandis wood were used and incorporated into 'virgin' HDPE along with a coupling agent of maleic anhydride. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) were used to carry out a physical characterization of the composites. Mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, static bending and impact were also analyzed, according to the ASTM. It was verified that all types of sawdust acted as nucleant agents because the composites presented greater crystallization index than the pure v-HDPE, and that the type of sawdust used influenced fiber dispersion in the polymeric matrix. The mechanical tests showed differences in the properties of the composites made from different types of sawdust. Overall, the inclusion of particleboard and Eucalyptus sp. wood produced composites with higher resistance to static bending and impact than those made with MDF and Pinus sp.
composites; HDPE and sawdust
