# Poly(vinyl chloride) Plastisol Composites with Surface-Modified Wood Flour as Potential Coating and Insulating Materials for Modern Energy-Efficient Constructions

## TL;DR

This study explores sustainable PVC composites with modified wood flour for use in energy-efficient buildings, showing improved mechanical and thermal properties.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in using surface-modified wood flour to enhance PVC composites for durable, eco-friendly construction materials.

## Key findings

- Fine-grained, silane-treated wood flour improved stiffness, elasticity, and thermal resistance in composites.
- Modified wood flour enhanced polymer-wood interfacial adhesion, leading to better mechanical performance.
- The composites show potential as durable, thermally stable materials for sustainable construction.

## Abstract

This study investigates the development of sustainable PVC-based composites filled with surface-modified wood flour for potential use in modern, energy-efficient building systems. The aim was to enhance the mechanical performance, thermal stability, and interfacial compatibility of PVC plastisols by incorporating fine- and coarse-grained coniferous wood flour modified with silane and surfactants. Composites were formulated using emulsion PVC (Vinnolit E-2059), bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate as a plasticizer, and MARK-17 MOK as a thermal stabilizer, and were gelled under pressure at 150 °C. Their physical, mechanical, structural, and thermal characteristics were evaluated using density and hardness measurements, SEM, thermomechanical analysis, DMA, and TGA. The results demonstrated that composites containing fine-grained, silane-treated wood flour (Lignocel C-120) exhibited the most advantageous balance of stiffness, elasticity, and thermal resistance, attributable to improved polymer–wood interfacial adhesion. The findings confirm the potential of modified wood flour as an effective bio-based filler enabling the design of durable, thermally stable coating and insulating materials with reduced environmental impact. The proposed composites may serve as protective, bonding, or insulating layers in sustainable construction, supporting the development of innovative, wood-based materials for low-carbon building applications.