Wood-plastic composite (WPC) is a composite material composed of wood elements combined with plastic fibers. WPC can be made entirely from recycled materials and plastic powder obtained from wood product manufacturing facilities. Also known as composite wood, WPC is widely used to build outdoor deck floors, prefab homes, park benches, door frames, and indoor and outdoor furniture.
Manufacture of Wood Plastic Composites (WPC)
Wood-plastic composites are made by thoroughly mixing ground wood particles with heated thermoplastic resin. Finally, the entire mixture is extruded into the desired shape. Commonly used thermoplastic resins are polystyrene (PS), polylactic acid (PLA) and polypropylene (PP).
Mixing and extrusion processes vary by manufacturing facility. WPC contains organic raw materials and needs to be processed at lower temperatures than traditional plastic composites to facilitate extrusion and injection molding. The ratio of wood to plastic in the composite determines the melt flow index (MFI) of WPC. Larger amounts of wood result in lower MFI.
Characteristics of Wood Plastic Composites (WPC)
●WPC is composed of a combination of substances prepared in a paste-like texture. Therefore, they are molded into any desired shape and size.
●WPC can be dyed or tinted to match the desired design specifications.
●Compared to regular wood, WPC is both aesthetically and overall durable because this composite material is resistant to moisture and corrosion.
●WPC is more heat resistant than typical wood.
● Drilling, planning and grinding work on WPC is similar to normal woodworking work.
●Adding additives in the WPC manufacturing process makes the product have better dimensional stability than ordinary wood.
Advantages of Wood Plastic Composites (WPC)
●WPC material is termite-proof and waterproof.
●WPC board provides a good surface finish without painting, staining and oiling.
●WPC material requires less maintenance and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
●Compared with ordinary wood, WPC material is more durable and lasts longer.
●WPC floor is non-slip.
●WPC material is available in different colors and painted with different textures.
●WPC can be thermoformed into any curved or curved shape.
●The material is UV resistant, so it will not fade when used outdoors.
●WPC is made of recycled wood and plastic materials. Therefore, it is a sustainable and environmentally friendly material.
Disadvantages of Wood Plastic Composites (WPC)
●WPC is less resistant to extreme temperatures above 70 degrees Celsius.
●Can not do laser cutting work on WPC because it will cause melting.
●They lack the natural wood texture and feel of natural wood.
●WPC is easily scratched.
