Advances and challenges of wood polymer composites

Rowell Roger M., . (2006) Advances and challenges of wood polymer composites. [Proceedings Paper]

Wood flour and fiber have been blended with thermoplastic such as polyethylene polypropylene polylactic acid and polyninyl chloride to form wood plastic composites WFPC. WFPCs have seen a large growth in the United States in recent years mainly in the residential checking market with the removal of CCA treated wood checking from residential markets. While there are many successes to report in WPCs there are still some issues that need to be addressed before this technology will reach its full potential. This technology involves two different types of materials; one hygroscopic biomass and one hydrophobic plastic so there are issues of phase separation and compatibilization. This technology also involves two very different industries: wood and/or agricultural industries and plastic industries. Processing the two phases presents issues ventered on maximizing mixing while minimizing damage to the biomass furnish. Melt flow index processing temperatures static electricity and density are also issues for the plastic industry which is used to high flowing high temperature proccessing conditions necessary when they either extrude plastics neat or use inorganic fillers such as glass calcium carbonate or talc. While the biomass in the composite swells and shrinks due to moisture the plastic phase swells and shrinks due temperature. Freezing and thawing cysles also cause problems as well as the effects of microorganism attack and ultraviolet radiation. Dyeing refinishing color stability and fasteners are also concerns. Solid extrusion profile extrusion co-extrusion injection molding and thermal molding are all being used to made different WPC products in different parts of the world.

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Abstract

Wood flour and fiber have been blended with thermoplastic such as polyethylene polypropylene polylactic acid and polyninyl chloride to form wood plastic composites WFPC. WFPCs have seen a large growth in the United States in recent years mainly in the residential checking market with the removal of CCA treated wood checking from residential markets. While there are many successes to report in WPCs there are still some issues that need to be addressed before this technology will reach its full potential. This technology involves two different types of materials; one hygroscopic biomass and one hydrophobic plastic so there are issues of phase separation and compatibilization. This technology also involves two very different industries: wood and/or agricultural industries and plastic industries. Processing the two phases presents issues ventered on maximizing mixing while minimizing damage to the biomass furnish. Melt flow index processing temperatures static electricity and density are also issues for the plastic industry which is used to high flowing high temperature proccessing conditions necessary when they either extrude plastics neat or use inorganic fillers such as glass calcium carbonate or talc. While the biomass in the composite swells and shrinks due to moisture the plastic phase swells and shrinks due temperature. Freezing and thawing cysles also cause problems as well as the effects of microorganism attack and ultraviolet radiation. Dyeing refinishing color stability and fasteners are also concerns. Solid extrusion profile extrusion co-extrusion injection molding and thermal molding are all being used to made different WPC products in different parts of the world.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	5 tables
AGROVOC Term:	WOOD
AGROVOC Term:	WOOD FLOUR
AGROVOC Term:	POLYMERS
AGROVOC Term:	POLYETHYLENE
AGROVOC Term:	BIOMASS
AGROVOC Term:	PLASTICS
AGROVOC Term:	BIOPOLYMERS
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:28
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/16861

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