Examination of chemical composition of wood-plastic composites by differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) techniques were applied to analyze polymer type and its content in wood-plastic composites (WPC). Methods of analysis were developed on the basis of commercial and laboratory made WPC samples with different content of polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Polymer melting temperature was used to determine its type and melting enthalpy value was used to determine polymer content in the sample. The method was rewarding, both in qualitative and quantitative way. The absorption bands from FT-IR spectra (1508 cm-1, i.e., aromatic skeletal vibration of lignin and 1455 cm-1, i.e., CH2 bending for polypropylene) were chosen to determine polymer content. Calibration curve obtained on the basis of measurements made on laboratory prepared samples with different polymer content was elaborated. Determination of polymer type with FT-IR was unequivocal, while determination of its content may cause troubles in case of samples with lower polymer content.