HYDROPHOBATION OF NATURAL FIBRES FOR APPLICATION IN WPC MATERIALS

Author(s): A. Barrio, A. Salvador, J. Hidalgo, I. Svensson
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference
on Bio-Based Building Materials
Editor(s): Sofiane AMZIANE, Mohammed SONEBI and Karine CHARLET
ISBN:
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-192-6
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2017
Pages: 459-462
Total Pages: 4
Language : English

Abstract: The objective of the present study was to improve the method of hydrophobation of natural fibers
for its application in WPC. For outdoor applications such as in decking’s and ventilated facades
improved durability against weathering is desired. This problem is associated with the water
adsorption of the natural cellulosic fibres. Commercial paper sizing agents AKD was used for the
optimization of surface hydrophobation of natural fibres (wood flour; Rettenmaier BK 40/90).
Parameters studied included: Application method, AKD brand, concentration, pH, elimination of
extractives, catalyst and influence of temperature and pressure). As results, an important
improvement against wetting was seen using contact-angle measurements on water drops.
Anyhow the dynamic water vapor adsorption did not change notably by the AKD-treatment.
Finally, treated fibres was prepared as compound to confirm potential reduced water adsorption
of the resulting WPC material. The influence of the processing conditions was studied by hot
pressing, injection molding and extrusion of the modified natural fibers and PP. Mechanical
performance of the WPCs was determined in terms of bending and tensile test. It was concluded
that the AKD treatment had a positive effect in the mechanical and water absorption properties
of the composites. The processing conditions influenced in the water uptake of the composites
being the best procedure injection molding and pressing. This work was performed within the
EU-project HIFIVENT (GA: 605891) FP7-SME-2013.

Online publication :2017
Publication type :full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00