Mechanical and biological performance of sodium fluoride (NaF) incorporated wood–plastic composites

OpenAlex İngilizce

The mechanical and biological (decay and mold fungi and termite) resistance of wood–plastic composites (WPCs) incorporated with sodium fluoride (NaF) was tested. Various combinations of wood-polymer composites were manufactured via the incorporation of NaF at different retention levels. Two different mesh sizes of the wood particles were used. ASTM standards D683 and D970 were used to evaluate the mechanical properties of the manufactured specimens. Addition of NaF up to 2% by weight did not negatively affect the tensile and flexural strengths and moduli of the tested specimens. Furthermore, the mass loss of wood–plastic composites owing to decay fungi and termite activity was significantly reduced at the tested retention levels. The mass losses were recorded as 0.8% for Fomitopsis palustris and 1,4% and 2.0% for Trametes versicolor for the highest NaF retention levels in the high wood content composites. Similarly, mass losses due to laboratory termite activity were limited to 0.9% to 1.1% in the highest wood ratio specimens with 2.0% NaF. Furthermore, the mold growth rate was significantly reduced and remained at the lowest level during the 4 weeks of incubation for the NaF-incorporated WPC formulations.