Wood–plastic composite

**1. History and Development of Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC):**
– Covema of Milan invented and patented the process for creating WPC in 1960.
– Icma San Giorgio patented the first process to add wood fiber/wood flour to thermoplastics.
– WPC was initially trademarked as Plastic-Wood.
– The Terragni brothers founded Covema, revolutionizing the composite materials industry.

**2. Uses and Applications of WPC:**
– WPCs are used in outdoor deck floors, railings, fences, landscaping timbers, cladding, siding, park benches, and more.
– Commonly utilized in window and door frames, indoor furniture, and automotive components.
– Introduced in the decking market in the early 1990s.
– Manufacturers claim WPC is environmentally friendly and low maintenance.

**3. Production Methods and Characteristics of WPC:**
– WPCs are produced by mixing wood particles and thermoplastic resin.
– Production methods include extrusion and injection molding.
– Materials used include virgin or recycled thermoplastics like HDPE, PVC, and PP.
– Additives like colorants, UV stabilizers, and lubricants enhance properties.

**4. Advantages, Disadvantages, and Issues with WPC:**
– Advantages include resistance to corrosion, rot, decay, and marine borer attack.
– Water absorption can reduce mechanical stiffness and strength.
– WPCs are workable and can be recycled, but have challenges related to environmental impact and recycling.
– Some formulations may be sensitive to staining and freeze-thaw cycling effects.

**5. WPC Sandwich Boards and Related Technologies:**
– WPC sandwich boards combine benefits of wood polymer composites with sandwich panel technology.
– Used in automotive, transportation, building, and emerging furniture applications.
– New production processes produce stronger boards at lower costs.
– Provide rigidity with lighter weight compared to traditional plastic sheets.

Wood–plastic composite (Wikipedia)

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Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are composite materials made of wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastic(s) such as polythene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polylactic acid (PLA).

In addition to wood fiber and plastic, WPCs can also contain other ligno-cellulosic and/or inorganic filler materials. WPCs are a subset of a larger category of materials called natural fiber plastic composites (NFPCs), which may contain no cellulose-based fiber fillers such as pulp fibers, peanut hulls, coffee husk, bamboo, straw, digestate, etc.

Chemical additives provide for integration of polymer and wood flour (powder) while facilitating optimal processing conditions.