Effect of Short Glass Fiber Reinforcement on Physical, Mechanical Properties and Fire Performance of Wood Plastic Composites

Aim of study: This study aimed to improve some physical, mechanical properties, and fire resistance of wood-plastic composites (WPCs) with short glass fiber reinforcement (SGFR).
Materials and Methods: The WPCs were reinforced with different ratios of short glass fiber (SGF). The effect of reinforcement on the water absorption (WA), thickness swelling (TS) as physical properties, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, and tensile strength as mechanical properties were determined. The fire resistance performance was also evaluated by the limit oxygen index (LOI) test.
Main results: The reinforcement improved the physical properties. The WA and TS values decreased with increasing glass fiber content. Flexural strength increased up to 28%, while 24% for tensile strength. There was a substantial enhancement in the modulus of elasticity (up to 122%). The glass fiber reinforcement also improved the fire performance of WPCs.
Highlights: The higher properties could be obtained by synthetic fiber reinforcement for WPCs.