Wood plastic composite (WPC)  is a composite material made of wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastic polymer. The two main ingredients in WPC are scrap or sawmill wood waste and polyolefin plastic such as polyethylene or polypropylene. These materials are chemically and physically blended together and then extruded or molded into the final profile.

Manufacturing Process of Wood plastic composite (WPC)

The manufacturing process of WPC involves several steps. First, wood fibers/flour are obtained through mechanically grinding lumber scraps or sawmill waste into very small pieces. Then, these wood fibers are dried in order to remove moisture. The dried wood fibers are mixed along with plastic materials like polyethylene, polypropylene or PVC through an intensive mixer. 

Once a homogenous mixture is achieved, it is further fed into an extruder machine. Inside the extruder, the materials are mixed and melted under high temperature and pressure. The blended mixture is then extruded through a die to form the final profile like boards,Railings or decking materials. Finally, the extruded product undergoes a period of cooling, trimming and cutting process to the required sizes before packaging and shipping.

Properties and Benefits of WPC

Some key properties and benefits of WPC that have made it popular include:

Durability: Wood plastic composite (WPC)   is highly durable than traditional wood. The plastic in WPC acts as a protecting layer, making the product resistant to moisture absorption, rotting, insects and microbial attacks. It can last for decades with little to no maintenance requirements.

Low maintenance: Being resistant to rot, insects and microbes, WPC does not require frequent treatment with stains or protective coatings. General cleaning using a pressure washer is sufficient for maintenance.

Weather resistance: The addition of plastic makes WPC stable against weather variations. It does not crack, warp or splinter even after prolonged exposure to sunlight, rain and temperature extremes.

Density: WPC profiles have density closer to wood, making it a suitable alternative in applications replacing hardwood. The weight is 40-50% less than traditional hardwoods.

Design flexibility: WPC allow easy shaping and fabricating into complex designs and profiles which are not possible with wood. It can be mass produced economically for decking boards, railing etc.

Eco-friendly: WPC utilizes recycled plastic and wood waste in its composition, making it a sustainable green product. It reduces landfill waste and protects natural forests.

Popular Applications of Wood plastic composite (WPC)  

With its wood-like appearance and superior performance attributes, WPC has replaced traditional wood in the following popular outdoor applications: 

Decking

Recycled plastic and wood waste in WPC make it ideal for decking material. Its resistance to rot, insects and mold has made WPC one of the top choices for residential and commercial decking over the past decade.

Outdoor furniture

WPC extruded profiles are utilized by furniture manufacturers to craft garden tables, chairs and lounge sets that can withstand heavy weathering and require no upkeep.

Doors and windows 

Window frames, patio doors and other exterior joinery products made with WPC don't require frequent painting like wood variants.

Railings and fences

WPC's shaping flexibility allows replicating complex designs in railings, fences and balustrades without splitting, cracking or splintering over the years.

Advantages over Traditional Wood

As a wood alternative, Wood plastic composite (WPC)  offers clear advantages in both sustainability and performance when compared to conventional wood:

-  Doesn't leach chemicals like arsenic found in pressure-treated wood.

-  Requires no paints, preservatives that produce VOCs emissions over time. 

-  Lower maintenance needs save homeowners' time and money on upkeep.

-  Multi-decade durability ensures large life cycle carbon savings over replacements.

-  Utilizes recycled plastic and fiber waste, preserving natural wood reserves.

With its eco-friendly attributes as well as superior resistance to decay, rot, weathering and insects, Wood plastic composite (WPC)  will continue gaining popularity as a sustainable substitute for woods in outdoor applications. Proper fabrication can help capture its natural wood aesthetics, making WPC the preferred building material choice of the future.

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Vaagisha brings over three years of expertise as a content editor in the market research domain. Originally a creative writer, she discovered her passion for editing, combining her flair for writing with a meticulous eye for detail. Her ability to craft and refine compelling content makes her an invaluable asset in delivering polished and engaging write-ups.
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