MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION ACROSS THE CROSS-SECTION OF FLAT-PRESSED WOOD-POLYMER COMPOSITES DURING COOLING STAGE

Abstract

This study is aimed at formulating a mathematical model describing the thermal dissipation kinetics during the post-processing cooling of flat-pressed wood-polymer composites (FPWPC). The dependence of the composite cooling time and the spatiotemporal temperature distribution across its thickness on the wood particle content, initial surface temperature, and bulk density are elucidated in the study. Analysis of the core layer thermal profile revealed three distinct phases: an initial temperature rise, a thermal maximum, and a conduction cooling phase. The findings indicate that both the wood particle content and the initial surface temperature of the FPWPC significantly influence the rate of thermal dissipation. Elevated initial surface temperatures (200°C) resulted in an initially accelerated cooling rate followed by a deceleration. Composites with a higher wood particle content (60%) exhibited slower cooling rates, attributed to the lower thermal conductivity of wood compared to the thermoplastic polymer matrix, leading to enhanced thermal retention. The bulk density of the FPWPC plays a critical role in its thermal management, affecting its specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity, and convective heat transfer efficiency. The derived mathematical model has the potential to optimise FPWPC manufacturing processes.