Study of the Saltwater Absorption of Wood-plastic Composite Panels Prepared from Waste (Low-density Polyethylene/Wood) and Evaluation of their Use in Marine Applications

Abstract

This research  explores the  water absorption and swelling of low-density polyethylene/wood waste composites. To achieve this, samples were prepared using a thermal compression method with varying ratios of polyethylene waste to wood waste of different dimensions and shapes. The samples were immersed in saline water (Mediterranean Sea), and the water absorption and swelling rates were measured after prolonged immersion exceeding 180 days.

Plastic–wood composite boards were produced through compression molding using low‑density polyethylene waste from greenhouse films and sawdust from carpentry workshops in varying proportions. Saltwater absorption tests were conducted to assess their suitability for marine applications, particularly non‑load‑bearing structures such as floating docks and seawalls. Results showed that multiple composite formulations could be successfully manufactured. Water absorption and swelling increased with higher percentages and larger particle sizes of the wood filler, yet most tested ratios maintained acceptable performance, supporting their potential use in marine environments.

Mechanical testing must be applied (tensile -  flexural) on the specimens after prolonged immersion periods to evaluate material durability prior to commercial production.