Analysis of intensity of changes in the moisture content of wood chips in the production of wood polymer composites during drying and storage processes

The article presents the results of research on changes in humidity of wood chips intended for the of wood-polymer composites (WPC) manufacture. In the studies were used wood chips of various origin (coniferous and deciduous wood) and the various forms (from dust-meal, through small chips on big chips). Measured moisture content of chips during drying in the dryer and after that, during the natural return to hygroscopic equilibrium with the atmosphere of the storage space. After drying, the samples were stored in open and closed containers.

Determination of viscosity curve and PVT properties for wood-polymer composite

In the presented study the injection mold equipped with the test apparatus were used to determine the viscosity curve of wood – polymer – composite (WPC). During the test the polymer temperatures, flow rates and pressure data measured inside of mold cavity were recorded. In addition the pressure – volume – temperature (PVT) characteristic of this composite was determined using the capillary rheometer. The determined properties were used in numerical simulations of injection molding process of WPC. The results were verified on the basis of pressure profiles measured in the mold cavity during experiment. The simulation was performed using the Autodesk Moldflow Insight 2013 commercial code. The calculated and measured pressure profiles were compared.