Use of construction and demolition wastes as mineral fillers in hybrid wood–polymer composites

The recycling of construction materials has been the subject of much research in past years. In this study, the use of construction and demolition wastes (CDWs) as mineral fillers in hybrid wood–polymer composites was studied. Two types of waste materials were used as fillers in the composites: (1) a mixture consisting of waste mineral wool (MW) and plasterboard (PB) and (2) mixed CDWs. The performance of the composites was evaluated from their mechanical properties and water‐absorption behavior. We found in the study that the addition of mineral fillers decreased the flexural strength and modulus values of the wood–polypropylene (PP) composites. On the other hand, the exchange of part of the wood with a mineral filler resulted in an increase in the impact strength of the composite. The composite manufactured with the combination of MW and PB had the lowest water absorption. The decrease in wood loading resulted in improved dimensional stability in the hybrid wood–mineral filler–PP composites.