wood polymer composite

The supply for natural woods for construction and other purposes is dwindling. As a result, many are concerned about conveying the world’s forests, and the cost of natural woods has risen. In light of these factors, a tremendous demand has developed in recent years for cellulosic/polymer composites.
As compared to natural woods, cellulosic/polymer composites offer superior resistance to wear and tear. In particular, cellulosic/polymer composites have enhance resistance to moisture. In fact, it is well known that the retention of moisture is a primary cause of warping, splintering and discoloration of natural woods. Moreover, cellulosic/polymer composites may be sawed, sanded, shaped, turned, fastened and finished in the same manner as natural woods. Therefore, cellulosic/polymer composites are commonly used for applications such as interior and exterior decorative house moldings and other suitable indoor and outdoor items. [4]
Cellulosic/polymer foam composites can be an alternative to cellulosic/polymer solid composites. Cellulosic/polymer foam composites use significantly less polymer material than cellulosic/polymer solid composites. Therefore, in light of the increasing cost of polymer material such as PVC, cellulosic/polymer foam composites can offer substancial cost savings. Cellulosic/polymer foam composites commonly include foaming or blowing agents to facilitate the foaming process.
A superior structural foam material can be used to form a member which can be used as a replacement for stone, wood, glass and metal members. The member will comprise thermoplastic foam comprising a thermoplastic polymer and a wood fiber.[5]
The polymer wood fiber composites utilize wood as a reinforcing filler in the polymer matrix and are known to be advantageous over the neat polymers in terms of the material cost and some mechanical properties such as stiffness and strength. These wood fiber composites are microcellular processed to create a new class of materials with unique properties. Recent studies have demonstrated the feasibility of developing microcellular structures in poly-wood fibre composites.[6]