Preparation and performance of high-density polyethylene-based wood–plastic composites reinforced with red pottery clay

In this study, by preparing red pottery clay according to unearthed red pottery clay pieces and using red pottery clay to reinforce high-density polyethylene-based wood–plastic composites, the effects of the amount of red pottery clay on the properties of the fabricated wood–plastic composites were investigated. The results indicated that when the amount of red pottery clay increased, flexural strength and impact strength of the composite initially increased and then decreased; flexural modulus increased and tensile strength and elongation at break decreased. The cone calorimeter tests studied the effects of red pottery clay on the flame retardant and smoke suppressant behaviors of high-density polyethylene-based wood–plastic composites. Red pottery clay formed a ceramic structure on the surface and inside high-density polyethylene, thus preventing high-density polyethylene from interacting with oxygen and increasing the amount of available carbon. As a result, the flame retardant properties of wood–plastic composites were improved due to the addition of red pottery clay. A comprehensive evaluation of the properties of high-density polyethylene-based wood–plastic composites reinforced with red pottery clay showed that addition of 5% of red pottery clay resulted in the most optimal mechanical properties: the addition of red pottery clay improved the density of the composite, decreased the shrinkage rate, and enhanced the flame retardant properties.