Foamed Composite Materials Based on Plant Raw Materials

This study investigates the development of foamed wood-polymer composite materials based on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and plant-derived fillers through the optimization of chemical foaming agents. Among the tested agents—Poramide-200, Palmarole, and Cellcom EX 23—Poramide-200 demonstrated the highest foaming efficiency, characterized by earlier onset of foaming and greater torque response in Brabender plastograph tests. The formulation was further enhanced by incorporating dioctyl phthalate as a plasticizer and increasing the content of chlorinated polyethylene and processability modifiers to improve melt flow and mechanical performance. The resulting composite met the requirements of Technical Specifications TC 2212-309-00203312-2009 for unplasticized wood-filled PVC, exhibiting a thermal stability of 105 min at 180°C, water absorption of 2.9–3.7%, and retained hardness and low-temperature brittleness resistance. The developed material shows promise for industrial-scale production of lightweight, wood-like PVC composites with high filler content.