Heat and chemical treatments for sawdust UPE composites

Abstract EN

Sawdust filler taken from White Cham (a type of wood) were mixed with unsaturated polyester (UPE) at 20, 30 and 40% volume fractions.

the mechanical and physical properties of the composites treated by NaOH alkali at 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% (W/V) along the effect of volume fractions were investigated .The results showed improving in properties comparing with untreated sawdust filler, while heat/alkali treatment at 2%NaOH at different temperature 40, 60, 80 and 100 ˚C also showed improving in properties .the optimal mechanical properties had been obtained at 1% NaOH, and detracted at 2% NaOH.

Yet, the mechanical properties at 2% NaOH were improved when heat treated.

The optimal mechanical properties were obtained at 80 ˚C.

It is worth mentioning that the optimization process was based on the tensile test.

Also the thermal conductivity results show better insulation after the treatments especially at 100 oC.