Preparation and Characterisation of Composites from Industrial Waste: Wood Flour and Expanded Ethylene Vinyl Acetate

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to use beech wood flour (WF) and expanded ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer industrial waste to develop a sustainable composite and its production method for further engineering use. Polyamide (PA) powder waste obtained after multiple selective laser sintering (SLS) thermal cycles was used to increase the strength and adhesion between the waste composite components. The morphological, mechanical, and thermal properties of the EVA/WF composites were characterised along with their interfacial wetting and water absorption properties. Optical and electron microscopy investigations revealed that the composites prepared have homogeneous dispersion and good interfacial adhesion between EVA and wood. The addition of SLS waste PA powder increases the strength and stiffness of the composite developed. The composite with 40 wt% WF exhibited the best water absorption, mechanical properties, and processability among the various compositions. The sustainable composite proposed can replace commercially available materials, which helps to save resources and reduce waste.