Matrices in Wood Plastic Composites: A Concise Review

Abstract

Rising environmental pressure, new ways of using naturally-based composite materials, as well as technical innovations, has lead manufacturers to application of those materials (with the goal of reducing the consumption of financially demanding, non-recyclable types of reinforcements - e.g., fiberglass). Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs) are a product developed in 1980s. They consist of wood flour (natural fillers), polymer blends and suitable additives (to improve mechanical properties, rheological properties and production process). Technologies of WPC composite materials production frequently include extrusion, injection moulding, pressing (thermoforming), calendaring and fused layer modeming / laser sintering. When choosing a suitable matrix, it is necessary to pay attention to the processing temperature - max. T max = 200 °C. At a higher temperature, natural reinforcements are decomposed. The submitted paper includes information about plastic matrices from previous studies and provides comprehensive view in the given area.