Wood Plastic Composite Synthesis Based on Low Density Polyethylene and Activated Carbon Mangrove Wood

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 42 views

Wood Plastic Composite Synthesis Based on Low Density Polyethylene and Activated Carbon Mangrove Wood

Introduction

The world is shifting towards more sustainable and eco-friendly materials, and wood plastic composite (WPC) is one of the promising alternatives to traditional plastics. WPC is a composite material made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, which offers a unique combination of strength, durability, and sustainability. In this study, we aim to synthesize WPC based on low density polyethylene (LDPE) and activated carbon from mangroves, with the goal of determining the effect of the addition of activated carbon mangrove wood on LDPE mechanical strength.

Background

Activated carbon is a highly porous material that is known for its excellent adsorption properties. It is widely used in various applications, including water filtration, air purification, and chemical remediation. Mangrove wood, on the other hand, is a natural and renewable resource that is abundant in tropical regions. The process of making activated carbon from mangrove wood involves carbonizing the wood at high temperatures, followed by activation using a chemical agent. This process not only produces activated carbon but also generates a byproduct that can be used as a filler material in WPC.

Materials and Methods

The materials used in this study include LDPE, activated carbon from mangrove wood, and xylene as a solvent. The LDPE composition variations used in this study are 100%: 0%, 97%: 3%, 94%: 6%, and 91%: 9%. The LDPE dissolution process is carried out using xylene through the reflux method. After LDPE dissolves, the mixture is stirred with activated carbon using a stirrer motor with a speed of 550 rpm for 45 minutes. After being mixed evenly, this mixture is printed using a hydraulic press at 140ºC for 20 minutes.

Characterization

The characterization of the WPC samples includes tensile tests, flexural strength tests, as well as FTIR and SEM-EDX analysis. The tensile strength and flexural strength of the WPC samples are measured using a universal testing machine. The FTIR analysis is used to determine the interaction between LDPE and activated carbon mangrove wood in the form of functional groups. The SEM-EDX analysis is used to determine the content of elements C, O, and Si in the composite.

Results and Discussion

The mechanical test results show that the tensile strength and flexural strength reached the optimum value in the composition of 94%: 6%. The value of the tensile strength obtained is 16.90 MPa, while the flexural power reaches 14 MPa. The results of FTIR analysis showed an interaction between LDPE and activated carbon mangrove wood in the form of functional groups O-H, C-H Stretching, C-C Stretching, C-O, and C = O. Meanwhile, SEM-EDX analysis shows the content of elements C, O, and Si in the composite.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate the potential of WPC based on LDPE and activated carbon mangrove wood in various applications, especially in the field of construction and products that require a combination of strength and durability. The addition of activated carbon mangrove wood not only increases mechanical strength from composite but also provides additional properties such as resistance to moisture and protection of chemicals. This research opens opportunities for further development of WPC based on recycled materials and other natural materials, which can reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and provide economic benefits for local industries.

Future Research Directions

Further research can be carried out to explore other variations of the composition and manufacturing methods, as well as conducting long-term resistance tests and composite endurance in various environmental conditions. It is essential to ensure that the products produced not only meet mechanical strength standards but can also survive in various practical applications.

Advantages of Using LDPE and Activated Carbon Mangrove Wood

One of the advantages of using LDPE is that it is light and resistant to various weather conditions. When combined with activated carbon, especially from natural ingredients such as mangroves, the final product is not only environmentally friendly but also more sustainable. This is very important considering the current world needs to switch to more eco-friendly materials.

Potential Applications of WPC

WPC based on LDPE and activated carbon mangrove wood has great potential in various applications, especially in the field of construction and products that require a combination of strength and durability. Some potential applications of WPC include:

Building materials such as flooring, walls, and roofing
Furniture and decorative items
Packaging materials
Automotive parts
Aerospace components

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study demonstrates the potential of WPC based on LDPE and activated carbon mangrove wood in various applications. The addition of activated carbon mangrove wood not only increases mechanical strength from composite but also provides additional properties such as resistance to moisture and protection of chemicals. This research opens opportunities for further development of WPC based on recycled materials and other natural materials, which can reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and provide economic benefits for local industries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wood Plastic Composite Synthesis Based on Low Density Polyethylene and Activated Carbon Mangrove Wood

Q: What is Wood Plastic Composite (WPC)?

A: Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) is a composite material made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic. It offers a unique combination of strength, durability, and sustainability.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of the addition of activated carbon mangrove wood on LDPE mechanical strength.

Q: What are the benefits of using WPC?

A: WPC has several benefits, including:

High strength and durability
Resistance to moisture and chemicals
Sustainability and eco-friendliness
Cost-effectiveness
Versatility in various applications

Q: What are the potential applications of WPC?

A: WPC has great potential in various applications, including:

Building materials such as flooring, walls, and roofing
Furniture and decorative items
Packaging materials
Automotive parts
Aerospace components

Q: What is the process of making activated carbon from mangrove wood?

A: The process of making activated carbon from mangrove wood involves carbonizing the wood at high temperatures, followed by activation using a chemical agent.

Q: What are the advantages of using LDPE and activated carbon mangrove wood?

A: One of the advantages of using LDPE is that it is light and resistant to various weather conditions. When combined with activated carbon, especially from natural ingredients such as mangroves, the final product is not only environmentally friendly but also more sustainable.

Q: What are the results of this study?

A: The mechanical test results show that the tensile strength and flexural strength reached the optimum value in the composition of 94%: 6%. The value of the tensile strength obtained is 16.90 MPa, while the flexural power reaches 14 MPa.

Q: What are the potential future research directions?

A: Further research can be carried out to explore other variations of the composition and manufacturing methods, as well as conducting long-term resistance tests and composite endurance in various environmental conditions.

Q: What are the potential economic benefits of using WPC?

A: The use of WPC can provide economic benefits for local industries, as it can reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

Q: What are the potential environmental benefits of using WPC?

A: The use of WPC can provide environmental benefits, as it can reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and oceans, and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

Q: What are the potential social benefits of using WPC?

A: The use of WPC can provide social benefits, as it can create jobs and stimulate local economies, and provide a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.

Q: What are the potential challenges of using WPC?

A: The use of WPC can face challenges, including:

High production costs
Limited availability of raw materials
Limited understanding of the properties and behavior of WPC
Limited regulatory frameworks for WPC

Q: What are the potential solutions to the challenges of using WPC?

A: The potential solutions to the challenges of using WPC include:

Improving production processes and reducing costs
Increasing the availability of raw materials
Conducting further research on the properties and behavior of WPC
Developing regulatory frameworks for WPC