engleski

Wood-Thermoplastic Composites - Opportunities in New Markets

Natural and wood fibre plastic composites (WPC) is among the most rapidly growing markets within the plastics industry. Natural and wood fibre plastic composites are manufactured by combining either wood or such other natural fibres as flax, hemp, jute, or kenaf with polymers. Thermoplastic resins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene or polystyrene, are mixed with other materials (such as wood), and form a composite product. The resulting WPCs can be easily processed into various shapes and can be recycled. In many cases either the polymer or the fibre, or both, can come from recycled materials. WPCs are typically made using 30 percent to 60 percent wood filler or reinforcements. Different applications take advantage of properties that WPCs offer. For example, the use of WPCs in automotive applications can take advantage of a lower specific gravity, compared with inorganic filled thermoplastics. The paper reviews the latest trends in the field of thermoplastic composites with natural fibres. The most important advantages and limitations of their use are specified, as well as possible processing and recovery procedures. Also, by taking the example of thermoplastic composite with wood fibres, the influence of processing parameters to mechanical properties of product will be examined.

natural fibres; wood-thermoplastic composites

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