Characteristics and Reliability of Polyurethane Wood Ash Composites for Packaging and Containerisation Applications

Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate polyurethane wood ash composites characteristics and reliability.

Study Design: Experimental Study Design was used in the study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the faculty of Engineering workshop, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria from October 2017 and February 2018.

Methodology: Three independent parameters employed include carbonisation temperature, particle size and volume fraction. Gmelina arborea samples were sundried and carbonised at varied temperature (400,700 & 1000°C), sieved to three particle sizes (75, 150 & 300 μm) and reinforced at varied volume fractions (30, 40 & 50%) with Polyurethane elastomeric polymer. The mechanical properties of the various samples prepared were tested and Weibull statistics was adopted in strength analysis of the composite.

Results: The results obtained showed that varying carbonisation temperature resulted in different mechanical properties of the wood ash composites with the best improvement occurring at 50% volume fraction, having 300 μm particle size at carbonisation temperature of 700°C. However, decrease in the density of the composite was noticed when the fiber volume fraction increased. In all cases, carbonisation above 400°C showed improved mechanical properties as a result of increased carbon yield and reduction in tar and moisture content.

Conclusion: A low Weibull modulus of 1.64 suggests that polyurethane wood ash composites has highly variable fracture strength, making it difficult to be used reliably in load-bearing applications, however more useful applications of the new material may include packaging and containerisation.