Dimensional Stability Analysis of Teak Sawdust and Polypropylene Composite

Water absorption and thickness of the swell of wood plastic composites (WPCs) are important criteria for their applications. Teak sawdust and polypropylene (recycled and virgin) composite are synthesized and characterized to study the hygroscopic behavior for their end use. Seven types of composites are fabricated by using teak sawdust and polypropylene (recycled and virgin) having different wood content in the polymer matrix. Maleated polypropylene (MAPP) is used as a coupling agent in the composites. The results reflect that recycled composite R7 having 50% wood, 47% pp, and 5% (MAPP) by weight shows minimum water absorption 0.72%wt and 1.15%wt and low thickness swell 0.57% and 1.05% in 2 h and 24 h, respectively, in comparison with V7, having same wood content. Low water absorption and high-dimensional stability make it suitable for outdoor applications.