Wood-plastic composite (WPC) is a non-recyclable composite material lumber or timber made of recycled plastic and wood wastes which has become one of the most dynamic sectors of the plastics industry in this decade. It is used in numerous applications, such as, outdoor deck floors, railings, fences, landscaping timbers, park benches, window and door frames. This book starts with a brief glimpse at the basic structures and properties of WPCs. Aspects such as surface treatment, machinery used and testing types of WPCs are also covered. The following chapters of the book give a view of foam technology, flame retardant properties and colour retardant properties of WPCs. The way morphology affects or controls the physical and mechanical behaviours of the finished materials is discussed. Finally, the authors give an overview of the applications of wood-plastic composites in daily life. The book may serve as a source book for scientists wishing to work in this field.
Wood-polymer composites (WPC) are materials in which wood is impregnated with monomers that are then polymerised in the wood to tailor the material for special applications. The resulting properties of these materials, from lightness and enhanced mechanical properties to greater sustainability, has meant a growing number of applications in such areas as building, construction and automotive engineering. This important book reviews the manufacture of wood-polymer composites, how their properties can be assessed and improved and their range of uses.After an introductory chapter, the book reviews key aspects of manufacture, including raw materials, manufacturing technologies and interactions between wood and synthetic polymers. Building on this foundation, the following group of chapters discusses mechanical and other properties such as durability, creep behaviour and processing performance. The book concludes by looking at orientated wood-polymer composites, wood-polymer composite foams, at ways of assessing performance and at the range of current and future applications.With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Wood-polymer composites is a valuable reference for all those using and studying these important materials. - Provides a comprehensive survey of major new developments in wood-polymer composites - Reviews the key aspects of manufacture, including raw materials and manufacturing technologies - Discusses properties such as durability, creep behaviour and processing performance
This book comprehensively covers the different topics of wood polymer composite materials mainly synthesis methods for the composite materials, various characterization techniques to study the superior properties and insights on potential advanced applications. It also discusses the chemistry, fabrication process, properties, applications, recycling and life cycle assessment of wood polymer composites. This is a useful reference source for both engineers and researchers working in composite materials science as well as the students attending materials science, physics, chemistry and engineering courses.
This book provides a comprehensive description of traditional and innovative forest-based bioproducts, from pulp and paper, wood-based composites and wood fuels to chemicals and fiber-based composites. The descriptions of different types of forest-based bioproducts are supplemented by the environmental impacts involved in their processing, use, and end-of-life phase. Further, the possibility of reusing, recycling and upgrading bioproducts at the end of their projected life cycle is discussed. As the intensity of demand for forest biomass is currently changing, forest-based industries need to respond with innovative products, business models, marketing and management. As such, the book concludes with a chapter on the bioproducts business and these products’ role in bioeconomies.
Wood plastic composite (WPC) is a term which refers to a composite containing wood in any form, combined with either thermoplastics (which can be re-melted) or thermoset plastics (which cannot be re-melted once set). Thermoplastics include polyethylene and polypropylene which are used in numerous non-structural applications, such as bottles and containers. Thermoset plastics are formed from resins such as polyester and epoxy. Solid recycled plastic lumber (RPL), which is usually made from waste plastics without any wood or fibre element, also competes in this non-structural role. This Digest describes the manufacture of several types of WPC and their strength, stiffness and durability. Although their strength is low in comparison with timber, WPCs have been used for decking and bridges. Their properties are compared with those of fibre reinforced polymers (FRPs).
At present, the use of polymer composites filled with wood (WPC) is becoming increasingly popular. In particular, flooring of terraced premises, siding, decorative fences, fence systems, steps, universal profiles, among others are made from WPC. In 1977, the first enterprise for the production of WPC appeared in Sweden. The first experience was not very successful – the demand turned out to be low, and the wear of technological equipment was very high. Therefore, developments in this field were resumed only in the 1990s and continue to this day. This book describes the basic physical and mechanical properties of modern WPC, such as tensile and compression strength, and hardness. Also, the influence of climatic factors on the performance properties of products from WPC is described, while the thermal and rheological properties of WPC materials are considered, which directly affect the consumer characteristics of the products. The book contains theoretical developments related to the prediction of the mechanical and thermal properties of polymers and composites. The Van der Waals volume and the energy of the intermolecular interaction are estimated. This book will be of interest to representatives of the WPC market, designers, and architects, as well as technology engineers, students and post-graduate students of higher educational institutions in the fields of chemistry and physics of composite polymer materials.
A comprehensive, practical guide to wood-plastic composites and their properties This is the first book that presents an overview of the main principles underlying the composition of wood-plastic composite (WPC) materials and their performance in the real world. Focusing on the characteristics of WPC materials rather than their manufacture, this guide bridges the gap between laboratory-based research and testing and the properties WPC materials exhibit when they're used in decks, railing systems, fences, and other common applications. Complete with practical examples and case studies, this guide: Describes compositions of WPC materials, including thermoplastics, cellulose fiber, minerals, additives, and their properties Covers mechanical properties, microbial resistance, water absorption, flammability, slip resistance, thermal expansion-contraction, sensitivity to oxidation and solar radiation, and rheological properties of hot melts of WPC Covers subjects that determine esthetics, properties, performance, and durability of wood-plastic composite products Includes comparisons of different ASTM methods and procedures that apply to specific properties This is a comprehensive, hands-on reference for scientists, engineers, and researchers working with wood-plastic composites in plastics and polymers, materials science, microbiology, rheology, plastic technology, and chemical engineering, as well as an outstanding text for graduate students in these disciplines. It's also an excellent resource for suppliers and WPC manufacturers, and an accessible guide for developers, homebuilders, and landscape architects who want to know more about wood-plastic composites and their performance in the real world.
Thermosoftening Plastics are polymers that can be manipulated into different shapes when they are hot, and the shape sets when it cools. If we were to reheat the polymer again, we could re-shape it once again. Modern thermosoftening plastics soften at temperatures anywhere between 65 oC and 200 oC. In this state, they can be moulded in a number of ways. They differ from thermoset plastics in that they can be returned to this plastic state by reheating. They are then fully recyclable because thermosoftening plastics do not have covalent bonds between neighbouring polymer molecules. Methods of shaping the softened plastic include: injection moulding, rotational moulding, extrusion, vacuum forming, and compression moulding. The scope of this book covers three areas of thermosoftening plastics, thermoplastic materials, and their characterization. The following tests are covered in the book: thermal analysis (differential scanning calorimetry, heat deflection temperature test), optical properties tests (fluorescence spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy), and mechanical properties tests (thermogravimetry, rheometry, short term tensile test).
Recycled plastic biocomposites have attracted widespread attention from both researchers and manufacturers due to the significant improvements in their physico-mechanical, thermal, rheological, and barrier properties when compared to conventional materials, as well as their potential regarding commercialization and zero waste. Recycled Plastic Biocomposites presents the latest information on recycled polymers, textiles, pulp and paper, wood plastic, rubber waste plastic, and micro and nano effects of recycled plastic waste resources that have great potential as reinforcement materials in composites because they are non-toxic, inexpensive, biodegradable, cost-effective, and available in large amounts. Recycled plastic biocomposites are now starting to be deployed in a broad range of materials applications due to their advantages over petroleum-based materials. Currently, there are no limits to the possibility of their applications. They also have exceptional sustainable and biodegradable properties when compared to conventional materials such as polymers and composites. Recycled Plastic Biocomposites reviews the latest research advances on recycled plastic-based biocomposites, including thermoplastic, thermoset, rubber, and foams. In addition, the book covers critical assessments on the economics of recycled plastic, including a cost-performance analysis that discusses its strengths and weaknesses as a reinforcement material. The huge potential applications of recycled plastic in industry are also explored in detail with respect to low cost, recyclable and biodegradable properties, and the way they can be applied to the automotive, construction, and packaging industries. The life cycles of both single and hybrid recycled plastic-based polymer composites and biocomposites are also discussed in detail. From the viewpoint of recycled plastic-based polymer composites, the book covers not only the well-known role of recycled polymers and composites, but also advanced materials produced from micro-, nano-, and pico-scale fillers that achieve better physical, mechanical, morphological, and thermal properties. This book will be an essential reference resource for academic and industrial researchers, materials scientists, and those working in polymer science and engineering, chemical engineering, manufacturing, and biocomposites. - Places an emphasis on micro-, nano-, and pico-scale fillers that significantly improve properties. - Discusses the most suitable fabrication methods, properties, and applications. - Features critical assessments on the economics of recycled plastic, including a cost-performance analysis that reviews its strengths and weaknesses as a reinforcement material.
The addition of nanoparticles to polymer composites has led to a new generation of composite materials with enhanced and novel properties. Advances in polymer nanocomposites reviews the main types of polymer nanocomposites and their applications.Part one reviews types of polymer nanocomposites according to fillers. Processing of carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and cellulose nanoparticles as functional fillers and reinforcement are discussed, alongside calcium carbonate and metal-polymer nanocomposites. Part two focuses on types of polymer nanocomposites according to matrix polymer, with polyolefin-based, (PVC)-based, nylon-based, (PET)-based and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based polymer nanocomposites discussed. Soft, gel and biodegradable polymer nanocomposites are also considered. Part three goes on to investigate key applications, including fuel cells, aerospace applications, optical applications, coatings and flame-retardant polymer nanocomposites.With its distinguished editor and international team of expert contributors, Advances in polymer nanocomposites is an essential guide for professionals and academics involved in all aspects of the design, development and application of polymer nanocomposites. - Reviews the main types of polymer nanocomposites and their applications - Discusses processing of carbon nanotube-based nanocomposites, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and cellulose nanoparticles as functional fillers and reinforcement - Discusses polyolefin-based, (PVC)-based, nylon-based, (PET)-based and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)-based polymer nanocomposites
