Characterization of non-structural poly (vinyl) chloride, rock wool and medium density fiberboard waste composites

Abstract

Taking into account sustainable development concept spread at the end of the 20th century, new composite materials are introduced in modern countries to promote wood and plastic waste.1 Thermal insulation plays an important role in contributing to the energy savings in the building by heat gains and losses through the building envelope.2 A study reported that effective building insulation alone will save over one hundred times the impacts of carbon foot print from material usage and disposal, irrespectively of the materials used.3 In all countries, regardless of their level of development, wood and Poly (vinyl) chloride (PVC), in civil construction, generate significant amounts of waste without an ecological destination.1 PVC represents a promising source of raw material for the development of composites, especially because of the large volume and low cost of this material.4 These composites have several advantages, including low cost, low density, low manufacturing energy, compared to other thermoplastic polymer composites. 5