Omar Khalid
Plastic wood, also known as plastic lumber, is an emerging material that is mainly made of plastic. It is a high-strength polymer called polystyrene, which makes it more durable than other furniture materials like solid wood. It is resistant to cracking, splitting, and fading, and can be used in humid environments without growing mildew and fungus. Plastic wood is also known as a wood-plastic composite (WPC) or composite timber, which is made of a mixture of wood fibres and plastic materials. It is often used in outdoor decking, garden furniture, and automotive, transportation, and building applications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Other Names | Plastic lumber, WPC (wood-plastic composite), composite timber |
| Composition | 100% plastic (virgin or recycled), mostly polystyrene |
| Additives | Colorants, coupling agents, stabilizers, blowing agents, reinforcing agents, foaming agents, lubricants |
| Manufacturing Process | Powder or pellets mixed at 400 °F (204 °C), then extruded or molded into desired shape |
| Properties | Waterproof, weatherproof, resistant to rot, mold, cracking, splitting, and UV light |
| Use Cases | Outdoor furniture, decking, molding, trim, garden furniture, automotive, transportation, building applications |
| Benefits | Low maintenance, environmentally friendly, recyclable, durable, lightweight |
| Limitations | Prone to deformation in hot weather, lower strength and stiffness than wood, higher fire hazard |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic lumber vs wood-plastic composite lumber
When it comes to plastic lumber and wood-plastic composite lumber, there are several important distinctions to be made, despite their similar-sounding names.
Plastic lumber, also known as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is made from virgin or waste plastics and is 100% recyclable. It is composed of plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polypropylene (PP). HDPE is a popular plastic material known for its strength, rigidity, and resistance to chemicals and high temperatures. It is also lightweight and strong, making it a good barrier against moisture, corrosion, rot, and insects. Plastic lumber is widely used in outdoor settings, such as decking, molding, trim, and garden furniture. It is resistant to cracking and splitting when properly installed and can be molded with or without simulated wood grain details.
On the other hand, wood-plastic composite (WPC) lumber is made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic materials, including recycled plastic materials. It often has the appearance of real wood, especially from a distance. WPCs can also contain other ligno-cellulosic and/or inorganic filler materials. The ratio of wood to plastic in WPCs affects their properties, with larger amounts of wood leading to a lower melt flow index (MFI). WPCs are generally heavier than PVC decking but lighter than traditional wood. While WPCs are resistant to rot and decay, they absorb water into the wood fibers, which can lead to decreased mechanical stiffness and strength. They also have a lower strength and stiffness than wood and are susceptible to fungal attack and UV degradation. WPCs have higher fire hazard properties than wood due to the inclusion of plastic, which has a higher chemical heat content and can melt. Composite decking is usually not recyclable. However, it can be capped with a protective coating to enhance its durability.
Both plastic lumber and WPCs offer advantages and disadvantages in terms of durability, aesthetics, maintenance, and environmental impact. Plastic lumber is known for its resistance to cracking and splitting, while WPCs offer a more wood-like appearance. WPCs are susceptible to water absorption and fungal attack, while plastic lumber is more resistant to these issues. In terms of maintenance, plastic lumber is claimed to require less maintenance than WPCs or rot-resistant wood. Additionally, plastic lumber is 100% recyclable, while WPCs are typically not recyclable.
In summary, plastic lumber and WPCs are both viable options for construction projects, each with its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. The choice between the two depends on the specific requirements and considerations of the project, such as aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and environmental concerns.
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Plastic wood's weatherproof performance
Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) are a popular material for decking and other construction projects. They are made from a mixture of wood fibres and plastic materials, often using recycled plastics and sawdust. WPCs can also contain other ligno-cellulosic and/or inorganic filler materials.
WPCs are highly resistant to rot, decay, and marine borer attack. They are also excellent barriers against moisture, corrosion, and insects. However, WPCs are susceptible to fungal attack and UV degradation. They also absorb water into the wood fibres within the material, which can lead to decreased mechanical stiffness and strength. Despite this, WPCs are still suitable for use in wet environments, and their performance can be enhanced through acetylation treatment.
The ratio of wood to plastic in WPCs will determine the melt flow index (MFI), with larger amounts of wood leading to a lower MFI. WPCs have a lower strength and stiffness than wood, and they experience time and temperature-dependent behaviour. The types of plastic used in WPC formulations can increase the risk of fire hazards, as plastic has a higher chemical heat content and can melt at temperatures typically above 204 °C (400 °F).
One example of a WPC product is Eco Board by Eco Plastic Wood, which is moisture-proof, durable, and entirely waterproof to prevent rotting. It is also versatile, able to be cut and worked like traditional timber, and has a lifespan of over five times that of typical boarding.
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Plastic wood's environmental benefits
The terms "plastic lumber", "wood-plastic composite" (WPC), and "plastic wood" all refer to a mixture of wood fibres and plastic materials. The environmental benefits of using plastic wood are clear: by using recycled plastics, plastic wood is more sustainable and less expensive than traditional wood. Plastic lumber is 100% recyclable and can be made from virgin or waste plastics, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polypropylene (PP).
The manufacturing process for plastic lumber generates no waste, and the final product is also recyclable. This makes it perfect for anyone looking to go green and reduce their carbon footprint. In fact, studies have shown that lumber has a lower carbon impact than plastic wood, even when the plastic is recycled. Despite this, plastic lumber still has a role to play in the fight against climate change. By using recycled plastic, plastic lumber helps to reduce plastic pollution and clear landfills.
Another environmental benefit of plastic wood is its durability. Plastic lumber is more durable than wood and WPCs, which often degrade and decay when exposed to the sun, wind, moisture, and foot traffic. Plastic lumber is also highly resistant to rot, decay, and marine borer attack. This means that plastic lumber has a longer lifespan than wood, further reducing its environmental impact by decreasing the need for frequent replacements.
The environmental impact of WPCs is directly affected by the ratio of renewable to non-renewable materials. The commonly used petroleum-based polymers in WPCs have a negative environmental impact due to their reliance on non-renewable raw materials and the non-biodegradability of plastics. However, WPCs can also be made from recycled plastic materials, reducing their environmental impact.
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Plastic wood's durability
Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) are commonly used in construction and are known for their durability. They are made from a mixture of wood fibres or wood flour and plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). WPCs are highly resistant to rot, decay, and marine borer attack. They also do not corrode. However, they are susceptible to fungal attack and UV degradation.
The durability of WPCs can be enhanced through the use of additives such as fungicides, mildewcides, and photostabilizers. The ratio of wood to plastic in the composite also affects its durability, with larger amounts of wood leading to a lower melt flow index (MFI). Additionally, the type of plastic used can impact the fire hazard properties of the WPC, as plastics have a higher chemical heat content and can melt.
Recycled plastic lumber is another option that offers enhanced durability compared to traditional wood. It is made from recycled plastics such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP), which are more sustainable and less expensive than wood. Recycled plastic lumber is lightweight yet strong and rigid, and it is resistant to chemicals, moisture, rot, and insects. It can also withstand temperatures as high as 120 °C/248 °F.
One of the key advantages of recycled plastic lumber is its ability to resist expansion and contraction under hot, humid, or cold weather conditions, which helps maintain its structural integrity over time. Unlike traditional wood, it does not absorb moisture, preventing issues such as mould and rot. Recycled plastic lumber can also be morphed into any shape or dimension and is expected to last for decades.
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Plastic wood's use in construction
Wood-plastic composite (WPC) is a popular term for plastic wood. It is also sometimes known as composite timber. WPCs are a subset of natural fiber plastic composites (NFPCs). The company that invented and patented the process to create WPC was Covema of Milan in 1960.
Plastic lumber is a plastic form of lumber made of virgin or waste plastics, including HDPE, PVC, PP, ABS, PS, and PLA. It is also known as recycled plastic composite. It is mostly made of plastic and binders such as fiberglass or rebar. It is not to be confused with wood-plastic composite lumber, which is made of a mixture of wood fibers and plastic materials.
Plastic lumber is widely used in outdoor decking, molding, trim, and garden furniture such as park benches. It is resistant to cracking and splitting when appropriately installed and can be molded with or without simulated wood grain details. It is also used for residential construction projects and marine-related construction due to its waterproof nature and durability.
Plastic lumber has several advantages over traditional wood-based materials. It is completely waterproof and resistant to moisture damage, rot, and mold. It is also easy to clean and low-maintenance, as it does not need to be painted. It is available in a variety of colors and woodgrain styles, allowing it to fit any décor style. Additionally, it is more affordable than traditional wood-based home siding options.
However, plastic lumber also has some drawbacks. It is not as rigid as wood and may slightly deform in extremely hot weather. It has a lower strength and stiffness than wood and is susceptible to fungal attack and UV degradation. The types of plastic used in WPC formulations have higher fire hazard properties than wood alone due to their higher chemical heat content.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic wood, also known as plastic lumber, is an emerging material made from plastic. It is different from wood-plastic composites (WPCs) which are made from a mixture of wood fibres and plastic materials.
Plastic wood is often used for outdoor furniture and decking. It can be used in humid environments without perishing or growing mildew and fungus. It is also used for garden furniture such as park benches and moulding and trim.
Plastic wood is made from high-performance and recyclable polymer and plastic, mostly polystyrene. It can also be made from virgin or waste plastics including HDPE, PVC, PP, ABS, PS and PLA.
Plastic wood can be moulded to meet almost any desired spatial condition. It can be made into rectangular slats for outdoor furniture, or moulded into round or rhombus shapes. Even with a wood grain design, plastic lumber is still easy to distinguish visually from natural timber as the grains are the same uniform colour as the rest of the material.
Plastic wood is more durable than real wood as it is resistant to cracking, splitting, rotting and mould. It is also more environmentally friendly as it does not consume and waste natural resources. However, it is not as rigid as wood and may slightly deform in extremely hot weather.
