Experimental and Simulation of Teak Sawdust Reinforced in Recycled Polypropylene: A Comprehensive Evaluation of Thermal, Mechanical, and Physical Properties

ABSTRACT This research utilizes teak sawdust from the furniture industry as a reinforcement in recycled polypropylene from saline bottles to reduce the problem of waste from sawdust and plastic waste for wood–plastic composite applications. The composites were prepared using a melt‐mixing internal mixer, with weight ratios of teak sawdust at 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% by weight, and were molded using a hot compression molding technique. The mechanical and physical properties were evaluated. In addition, the load‐bearing capacity of chair products was simulated. The results exhibited that the tensile modulus, hardness, and flexural modulus of composites were improved with reinforcement of teak sawdust. While the tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural strength, and flexural strain of composites tended to decrease with increasing teak sawdust content due to the limited adhesion between the teak sawdust and polymer matrix. However, based on the simulation of the load of the chair product, composites with teak sawdust ratios of 30% and 45% were found to be able to support up to 400 kg of vertical forces without permanent deformation or structural damage. It shows that the developed composite material is strong and suitable for application in the furniture industry.