Effect of nanoclay, talcum, and calcium carbonate as filler on properties of composites manufactured from recycled polypropylene and rubberwood fiber

The mechanical and physical properties of wood-plastic composites (WPCs) were determined as function of different contents of nanoclay, talcum, and calcium carbonate as filler. It appears that the specimens made with 7 wt% calcium carbonate content resulted in the highest strength values. The modulus of rupture of the samples linearly increased with increasing amount of filler. The WPCs specimens having 9 wt% nanoclay showed the lowest dimensional stability in the form of water absorption and thickness swelling. An addition of 3 wt% talcum content also presented the highest cooling temperature and crystallization. Content of 7 wt% of calcium carbonate was determined as optimum level of filler regarding overall mechanical and physical properties of WPCs specimens.