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What Is Wood Plastic Composite Fapc 170
What Is Wood Plastic Composite Fapc 170
Wood plastic composite (WPC) is panel or lumber WPC. Extrusion method, which forces molten composite
product made from recycled plastic and small wood through a die, is shown in Figure 1. In the case of injec-
particles or fibers. Wood plastic composites are rela- tion molding method, molten composite is forced into
tively new products as compared to the long history of a cold mold. The third one presses molten composite
natural lumber or traditional wood composites such as between mold halves.
particleboard or fiberboard. The majority of WPC is produced by extrusion
This fact sheet summarizes some of the basic manu- process, which uses variety of extruder types such as
facturing steps, physical and mechanical properties, as single screw or double screw to form final shape of the
well as major uses of WPC. material. Figures 2, 3 and 4 illustrate examples of WPC
Wood plastic composites are widely used in the U.S. products and a flowchart of a typical manufacturing
They are manufactured by mixing wood particles as fine process, respectively.
as flour and recycled plastics. North American WPC Most of the physical and mechanical properties of
market have reached almost $1 billion in sales.This is WPC depend mainly on the interaction developed be-
an increase of 200% between 2001 and 2006, and it is tween wood and thermoplastic material. One of the most
expected that 20% annual growth will take place within efficient ways to improve this interaction is by incorpo-
the next 5 to 6 years. As WPC capacity increases, new rating a coupling agent as an additive. In general, such
products are being developed such as door stiles, rails additives help the compatibility between hydrophilic
and window lineal. wood, which absorbs moisture easily, and hydrophobic
plastic, having lack of affinity for water, allowing the
Main production steps and properties of WPC formation of single phase composite and resulting in a
In general, manufacturing of WPC is a two-step pro- product with better dimensional stability than solid wood.
cess. Combination of wood and thermoplastic such as Traditional pressure treated wood with mostly
high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyeth- chromate copper arsenate (CCA) is facing growing
ylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are mixed dissatisfaction among the user due to health reasons and
together dough-like-consistency called compounding. environmental pollution. Additionally, as of December
Mixing can be handled by either batch or continuous 2002, wood treated with arsenic-based compounds has
process. been banned when there is a direct contact with humans
In addition to the main ingredient wood with grain such as decking material, playground equipment or
size ranging from 20 to 60 mesh, plastic coupling agents, picnic tables.
stabilizer, foaming agents or dyes also are added to en- Use of WPC lumber, either in the form of solid cross
hance properties of the final product for a particular use. section or with tubular structure as shown in Figure 2,
For example, lubricants improve appearance of the has been very popular material as a substitute for treated
surface. There are three common forming methods for wood products. Table 1 also shows typical mechanical
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The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service
Bringing the University to You!
The Cooperative Extension Service is the largest, most • It provides practical, problem-oriented education for
successful informal educational organization in the world. people of all ages. It is designated to take the knowl-
It is a nationwide system funded and guided by a partner- edge of the university to those persons who do not or
ship of federal, state, and local governments that delivers cannot participate in the formal classroom instruction
information to help people help themselves through the of the university.
land-grant university system.
• It utilizes research from university, government, and
Extension carries out programs in the broad categories other sources to help people make their own decisions.
of agriculture, natural resources and environment; home
• More than a million volunteers help multiply the impact
economics; 4-H and other youth; and community resource
of the Extension professional staff.
development. Extension staff members live and work
among the people they serve to help stimulate and educate • It dispenses no funds to the public.
Americans to plan ahead and cope with their problems.
• It is not a regulatory agency, but it does inform people
Some characteristics of Cooperative Extension are: of regulations and of their options in meeting them.
• The federal, state, and local governments cooperatively • Local programs are developed and carried out in full
share in its financial support and program direction. recognition of national problems and goals.
• It is administered by the land-grant university as • The Extension staff educates people through personal
designated by the state legislature through an Exten- contacts, meetings, demonstrations, and the mass media.
sion director.
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• Extension programs are nonpolitical, objective, and grams and subject matter to meet new needs. Activities
based on factual information. shift from year to year as citizen groups and Extension
workers close to the problems advise changes.
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Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or
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Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Robert E. Whitson, Director of Oklahoma Cooperative Exten-
sion Service, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of
Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of 74 cents per copy. 0716
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