MANUFACTURING WOOD-PLASTIC COMPOSITES PANELS USING WOOD CHIPS OF Eucalyptus grandis HILL EX Maiden AND RECYCLED LOW DENSITY POLYETHYLENE (LDPE )

This work utilized wood chips residues of Eucalyptus grandis Hill ex Maiden, and recycled plastic pellets (PEBD), in mixtures with 40%/60%, 50%/50% e 60%/40% of wood/plastic in the composite. It was observed difference among the densities of the treatments. To eliminate this source of variation an analysis of covariance was conducted, with the density as covariate, to make a correct interpretation of the results. Those treatments with a higher proportion of plastic presented a better performance. Overall, most results of the mechanical properties reached the minimum values specified by the ANSI A208.1 standard, except for MOR and MOE in the treatment where a smaller amount of plastic was used.

Key words:
Wood-plastic composite; polyethylene; wood residues