LAUSR

Abstract This study aims to advance Wood-Plastic Composite materials by transferring wastes into resources, for the design and development of a low-carbon, high-value environmentally sensitive end-product, for building applications. For this purpose, four waste materials locally sourced from the Sydney Metropolitan Area were selected. Local marine litter such as Kelp brown algae ( Eklonia spp.) and Bivalve mollusc shells ( Veneridae spp.) are examined as combined reinforcements in the function of secondary bio-fillers. A series of 20 specimens were prepared with filler/matrix as 60/40 wt%. The blend was prepared with particle sizes sifted through 20 and 40 meshes respectively. Secondary bio-fillers are incorporated to the blend as 10 and 20 wt%. Prototype panels were manufactured by traditional hot-compression method. The filler/matrix interface was investigated, as well as the fracture surface of the bio-composite panels. The mechanical performance and moisture absorbency of the bio-composite as function of particle size, filler load and the effect of coupling agent are reported. The experimental results indicated that the novel particulate bio-composite prototypes effectively achieved an enhanced performance suitable for high-moisture environment applications.