Wood-Plastic Composites from Lesser-Known Tropical Timber Species: An Alternative Material in Wood-Based Industry

This article evaluated the physical and mechanical properties, as well as the resistance against termites (Coptotermes curvignathus) of wood-plastic composites (WPCs) manufactured using Macaranga sp. Plastic-wood fibres mixing ratios of 100:0 (control), 90:10, 80:20, 70:30 and 60:40 were used. Static bending, tensile and Izod impact strength of WPCs were evaluated. Additionally, physical properties of WPCs and its resistance against termites were also tested. Results showed that the mechanical properties of WPCs were affected by the different mixing ratios of polypropylene (plastic) and wood fibres. WPCs with higher wood contents (60:40) showed higher water absorption and thickness swelling but have lower mechanical properties compared to other mixing ratios. There were no significant differences in termite resistance when compared with WPCs made from different plasticwood fibres mixing ratios.