Composite panels obtained from automotive waste plastics and agricultural macadamia shell waste

Disposal of waste has become a serious environmental issue, and problem continues to increase with increase in population and development of industries. Efficient and environmental solution is critically required to address the solid and hazardous waste streams. In this study, waste automotive plastics and macadamia shell is used to produce wood plastic composite (WPC) panel. The density, mechanical, microstructure and thermal properties of produced WPC panels are assessed and compared with 100% automotive plastic panel. Density of produced WPC panels increased linearly with increase in content of macadamia shell. The mechanical tests indicate that the addition of macadamia shell increased the comprehensive modulus 548 MPa for 75% macadamia shell WPC panel. Microstructure analysis of fractured surfaces in compression manner reveals that addition of macadamia shell partially transforms the brittle failure of waste automotive plastic into ductile failure that could be a result of mechanical bonding between plastic and macadamia shell powder. Thermal property also indicates that the WPC panel has good flame retardant property compare to 100% plastic panel. This approach of using automotive waste plastics and macadamia empty shells to eco-friendly WPC panels could be a solution to serious environmental pollution, resource recovery and also for economy benefit.