Wood plastic composite

From Plastics Wiki, free encyclopedia

Wood-plastic composite is a composite material lumber or timber made of recycled plastic and wood wastes. Its most widespread use is in outdoor deck floors, but it is also used for railings, fences, landscaping timbers, cladding and siding, park benches, molding and trim, window and door frames, and indoor furniture. Manufacturers claim that wood-plastic composite is more environmentally friendly and requires less maintenance than the alternatives of solid wood treated with preservatives or solid wood of rot-resistant species. Well-known trade names include Trex and Weatherbest.

Wood-plastic composite lumber is composed of wood fibers from recovered saw dust (and other cellulose-based fiber fillers such as peanut hulls, bamboo, straw, etc.) and waste plastics including high-density polyethylene and PVC. The powder is extruded to a doughlike consistency and then extruded to the desired shape. Additives such as colorants, coupling agents, stabilizers, blowing agents, reinforcing agents, foaming agents, lubricants help tailor the end product to the target area of application. The material is formed into both solid and hollow profiles. With up to 70 percent cellulose content (although 50/50 is more common), wood-plastic composites behave like wood and can be shaped using conventional woodworking tools. At the same time, they are moisture-resistant and resistant to rot, although they are not as rigid as wood and may deform in hot weather. The material is also sensitive to staining from a variety of agents by virtue of its porosity. Recently, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Trex due to claims of premature rotting and growth. Lawsuit Settlement info

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