Flexural properties of sawdust reinforced phenolic composites: pilot study

Abstract

The advantageous properties of sawdust and phenolic resins were combined by making sawdust reinforced phenolic composites with different percentages by weight of sawdust. The sawdust was divided into three grades in accordance with its particulate size. Garamite and propylene glycol were added individually and together to enhance the flexural properties of the composites obtained. Without any garamite and propylene glycol, it was discovered that the best flexural properties of the composites were obtained when the percentage by weight of sawdust (< 300µ m) is up to 15%. Beyond this, the flexural properties dropped significantly; in addition, the fluidity of the composite was very low and the mixture was not suitable for casting. In general, the flexural modulus of the composites decreases with an increase in sawdust content, i.e. they are more elastic but their maximum flexural strain does not improve. Garamite was therefore added to improve the maximum flexural strains of the composites and this was successful. The addition of propylene glycol makes the composite more plastic.