Use of Lignin Fibers to Improve Mechanical Properties of Coated Wood

Abstract

In this research, a new method for the production of the blend consists of polyester resin as a matrix-binder at fixed weigh and different weighs of epoxy resin that can be used to coat wood is developed. Several experiments are performed under different conditions to identify the most favorable operating conditions for the preparation of blend (polyester/epoxy) resins. Optimum conditions, namely, mixing speed, mixing time, heating temperature and heating time are investigated and found experimentally as 500rpm, 5min, 750C and 6hr respectively. In addition, solid palms wastes (lignin) as reinforcement fibers is employed in order to improve the mechanical properties: impact strength, bending deflection and bending distortion of coated wood. The optimum ratio of prepared blend is characterized by the mechanical (impact and bending) tests of the untreated samples occurred at a ratio of polyester/epoxy resins of 0.91w/w. It showed the best bonding force and physical interaction between two resins. The impact strength of the treated samples with one and two layers of prepared lignin fibers are higher than that of the untreated sample, while the bending distortion and bending deflection of treated samples are lower than that of the untreated sample. Experimental results showed that the treated sample with biofibers (lignin) led to enhancement in the mechanical properties of coated wood.

Keywords

• polyester, epoxy, lignin fibers and mechanical properties.