Wood Plastic Composite: An Environmentally Friendly Building Material

 

Wood Plastic Composite

What are Wood Plastic Composites?

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) are composite materials made of wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastic polymer materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride. Wood fibers/flour are inexpensive and environmentally friendly renewable materials that provide strength and hardness, while thermoplastic polymers act as matrices that hold the fibers together.

Manufacturing Process of WPCs

The manufacturing process of WPCs is quite simple. First, wood materials like sawdust and wood fibers are dried to remove moisture. Then they are blended with plastic resins in powder form. This mixture is fed into an extruder where it is heated and plastic melts. As the materials pass through a die, they are formed into the desired profiles like boards, decking materials or rails. The extruded material is then cooled, cut and stacked for storage and transportation.

Advantages of WPCs

Some key advantages of WPCs over traditional wood and plastic materials are:

Durability: When wood is combined with plastics, it enhances durability and resistance to decay, rot, termite and fungal attacks. WPCs can withstand weathering for years without splintering, cracking or cupping like natural wood.

Maintenance-free: Due to their durable and non-porous nature, WPCs do not require frequent sealing or staining like pressure treated or cedar wood. They never rot and need almost no maintenance.

Environment friendly: WPCs are more eco-friendly than plastic alone as they use agriculture-based renewable wood materials. They contain lesser volatile organic compounds and do not emit harmful fumes. Being recycled, they reduce landfill waste.

Dimensional stability: Wood Plastic Composite have excellent resistance to swelling and shrinking due to moisture absorption. So they don't warp, crack or split like wood.

Rust and corrosion proof: Unlike metals, WPCs will never rust or corrode even after years of exposure to moisture and weather.

Economical: With time and large-scale production, the costs of WPCs are comparable to wood and less than premium decking materials. Their longevity reduces long-term expenses.

Design and color flexibility: WPCs allow flexibility in product design, color choices, shape and textures. They can be made opaque or translucent, solid color or wood grain patterns.

Applications of Wood Plastic Composite

Decking

WPC decking planks have become very popular alternatives to wood decking in recent years. They come in various wood-grain patterns and colors. Their non-porous surface doesn't absorb stains or dirt. Besides being maintenance-free, WPC decks are slip and fade resistant.

Rails and fences

Low maintenance and weather resistance make WPC ideal for railings, fences and handrails. Their solid profiles with embedded reinforcement provide strength and safety. Color choices enhance outdoor décor.

Windows and doors

WPCs are increasingly being used in exterior window frames, door frames, patio doors and fencing applications. They never rot like wood and offer insulating properties similar to vinyl.

Outdoor furniture

Deck chairs, loungers, planter boxes and other lawn furniture are made from durable and attractive WPCs in many styles and textures. They are long lasting and easy to clean.

Decking accessories

WPC decking offers matching trim boards, stair treads, porch ceilings and other accessories in matching colors and grains. This provides continuity in outdoor projects.

Future Potential of Wood Plastic Composite

With growing environmental concerns for both plastic waste and deforestation, WPCs have tremendous potential to replace traditional materials over the coming decades. Global shortage of wood resources and rising lumber costs are also fueling WPC demand.

In emerging economies, the low maintenance, termite and decay resistant properties of WPCs make them ideal for outdoor construction projects at both residential and commercial levels.

Further innovations are allowing use of WPC technology in automotive interior parts and semi-structural building components. New combinations with natural fibers like bamboo and coconut coir are making composites even greener.

Mass customization through digital printing on WPC sheet surfaces enables product differentiation. Advances in process technology will reduce costs further. Overall, WPCs represent a sustainable building material with bright prospects worldwide.

 

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About Author:

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)