Search Results (132)

Wood polymer composites (WPCs) represent a rapidly growing class of sustainable materials, formed by combining lignocellulosic fibers with thermoplastic or thermoset polymeric matrices. This review summarizes the state of the art in WPC development, emphasizing the use of recyclable (or recycled) and biodegradable polymers as matrix materials. The integration of waste wood particles into the production of WPCs addresses global environmental challenges, including plastic pollution and deforestation, by offering an alternative to conventional wood-based and petroleum-based products. Key topics covered in the review include raw material sources, fiber pre-treatments, compatibilizers, mechanical performance, water absorption behavior, thermal stability and end-use applications. Full article

This research aimed to evaluate the biological resistance to xylophagous organisms and the dimensional stability related to water absorption in plastic wood panels manufactured by compression molding and produced with pine wood and recycled thermoplastics. The wood–plastic composites (WPCs) were prepared from 50% pine sawdust and 50% recycled plastics (polyethylene terephthalate-PET, high-density polyethylene-HDPE, and polypropylene-PP). The thickness swelling test was carried out by immersing of the WPC samples in water at room temperature (25–30 °C) and evaluating the total change in WPC thickness after 1500 h (≈9 weeks or two months). In addition, the coefficient of initial swelling was evaluated to verify the variability of the swelling. For the biological resistance evaluation of the WPCs, tests were carried out with soil or arboreal termites (Nasutitermes corniger) and drywood termites (Cryptotermes brevis). The WPC loss of mass and termite mortality were evaluated. The use of PP promoted the best response to thickness swelling. The simple mathematical model adopted offers real predictions to evaluate the thickness of the swelling of the compounds in a given time. For some variables there were no statistical differences. It was shown that treatment 3 (T3) presented visual damage values between 0.4 for drywood termites and 9.4 for soil termites, in addition to 26% termite mortality, represented by the lowest survival time of 12 days. The developed treatments have resistance to termite attacks; these properties can be an important starting point for its use on a larger scale by the panel industries. Full article

The dynamic thermomechanical properties of wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are influenced by various factors, such as the selection of raw materials and processing parameters. To investigate the effects of different wood fiber content ratios and temperature on the loss modulus of WPCs, seven different proportions of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana Lamb.) and Chinese fir [Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.] mixed-fiber-reinforced HDPE composites were prepared using the extrusion molding method. Their dynamic thermomechanical properties were tested and analyzed. The storage modulus of WPCs showed a decreasing trend with increasing temperature. A reduction in the mass ratio of Masson pine wood fibers to Chinese fir wood fibers resulted in an increase in the storage modulus of WPCs. The highest storage modulus was achieved when the mass ratio of Masson pine wood fibers to Chinese fir wood fibers was 1:5. In addition, the loss modulus of the composites increased as the content of Masson pine fiber decreased, with the lowest loss modulus observed in HDPE composites reinforced with Masson pine wood fibers. The loss tangent for all seven types of WPCs increased with rising temperatures, with the maximum loss tangent observed in WPCs reinforced with Masson pine wood fibers and HDPE. A prediction method based on the Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) model was introduced to predict the dynamic thermomechanical properties of WPCs. The prediction accuracy of the ELM model was compared comprehensively with that of other models, including Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Random Forest (RF), Back Propagation (BP) neural networks, and Particle Swarm Optimization-BP (PSO-BP) neural network models. Among these, the ELM model showed superior data fitting and prediction accuracy, with an R² value of 0.992, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 1.363, and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 3.311. Compared to the other models, the ELM model demonstrated the best performance. This study provides a solid basis and reference for future research on the dynamic thermomechanical properties of WPCs. Full article

This study aims to improve the performance of wood–plastic composites (WPCs) composed of cotton stalk powder and residual film particles. Additionally, it aims to promote the efficient utilization of cotton stalk biochar. The composites were prepared using modified cotton stalk biochar and xylem powder as the matrix, maleic anhydride grafted high-density polyethylene (MA-HDPE) as the coupling agent, and polyethylene (PE) residual film particles as the filler. The WPCs were fabricated through melt blending using a twin-screw extruder. Mechanical properties were evaluated using a universal testing machine and texture analyzer, Shore D hardness was measured using a durometer, and microstructure was analyzed using a high-resolution digital optical microscope. A systematic investigation was conducted on the effect of biochar content on material properties. The results indicated that modified biochar significantly enhanced the mechanical and thermal properties of the WPCs. At a biochar content of 80%, the material achieved optimal performance, with a hardness of 57.625 HD, a bending strength of 463.159 MPa, and a tensile strength of 13.288 MPa. Additionally, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity decreased to 0.174 W/(m·K) and 0.220 mm²/s, respectively, indicating improved thermal insulation properties. This research provides a novel approach for the high-value utilization of cotton stalks and residual films, offering a potential solution to reduce agricultural waste pollution in Xinjiang and contributing to the development of low-cost and high-performance WPCs with wide-ranging applications. Full article

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are important materials used in interior architectural decorations and landscape construction products. Enhancing the cutting performance of WPCs is of great significance for improving both production efficiency and product quality in factories. This study aims to elucidate the impact of fluorine nano-coating technology on the cutting performance of cemented carbide tools during the milling of WPCs. The main results are given as follows. The cutting force and surface roughness showed similar trends with the varied parameters; both increased with increasing cutting depth and decreased with increasing cutting speed. The fluorine nano-coating technology exerts a positive influence on the cutting performance in terms of lower cutting forces and surface roughness. Meanwhile, based on the analysis of variance results, the experimental factors of cutting speed, depth, and surface treatment had a significant contribution to both cutting force and surface roughness, and cutting depth had the greatest impact on cutting force and surface roughness, followed by cutting speed and tool surface treatment. In general, the cutting performance of WPCs can be improved by higher cutting speed and lower depth, with the tool surface treated with fluorine nano-coating. Full article

The new wood–plastic composites (WPC) biocomposites, a promising blend of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and lignocellulosic fillers, are the subject of our study. We used bark and sawdust at 40, 50, and 60% as PLA fillers. The innovative use of ion implantation to modify the surface properties of the produced composites could have significant implications. Argon ions were used in three dosages (1 × 10¹⁵, 1 × 10¹⁶, and 1 × 10¹⁷ cm⁻²) at an accelerating voltage of 60 kV. The modified composites were then analyzed for changes in surface wettability, surface energy, and color. Our findings demonstrate that the dosage of argon ion implantation and the filler used have a profound impact on the properties of the modified surfaces. In general, ion implantation enhances the surface wettability of composites and pure PLA, with the recorded relationships being more pronounced in composites containing higher proportions of lignocellulosic fillers. Furthermore, the implantation of ions on the surface of composites induces changes in their color, opening up new possibilities for the field of materials science. Full article

This study investigates the biodegradation behavior of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) copolyesters containing dilinoleic acid (DLA) co-monomeric units and wood flour (WF) as a filler. PBS-DLA is a segmented thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), where the soft amorphous phase is formed by DLA ester segments, while the hard phase consists of crystallizable PBS domains. Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) were prepared with WF at weight fractions of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% wt. and analyzed in terms of surface morphology, chemical structure, mechanical performance, and thermal stability before and after biodegradation in soil conditions. The results of microscopic analysis confirmed that the PBS-DLA copolymer and its composites undergo surface biodegradation as manifested by increased surface roughness and microcrack formation, particularly in composites with a higher WF content. ATR FT-IR spectroscopy indicated oxidation and hydrolysis, supporting the hypothesis of progressive surface erosion. Mechanical tests showed a decline in tensile strength and elongation at break, with the most pronounced changes in composites containing 20% WF. Thermal analysis (DSC, DMTA, and TGA) confirmed that the PBS-DLA copolymer retains its thermoplastic elastomeric behavior after a 3-month biodegradation experiment. The storage modulus (E′) remained stable, while only minor variations in melting and crystallization temperatures were observed. These findings reinforce the hypothesis of surface erosion rather than a bulk degradation mechanism. Given their biodegradability and retained thermoplastic behavior, WPC composites based on PBS-DLA copolyester could be promising for eco-friendly applications where controlled degradation is desirable, such as in packaging, agriculture, or biodegradable consumer goods. Full article

By decoding the behavioral mechanisms underlying material perception, this study pioneers a sensory nudging strategy to accelerate the adoption of sustainable materials. This study, grounded in the Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) model, investigates the factors influencing the purchase intention and loyalty of wood-plastic composites (WPCs), specifically examining the impact of material stimuli, surface treatment processes, product carriers, and environmental stimuli on consumers’ perceptions of uniqueness and emotional responses. A total of 335 valid questionnaires were collected and analyzed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), with the results indicating that material stimuli and product stimuli were the strongest predictors of perceived uniqueness and emotional responses. Moreover, emotional response had a significantly stronger effect on purchase intention compared to uniqueness perception. Additionally, material familiarity positively moderated the relationship between emotional response and purchase intention. This study provides theoretical support for the marketing of WPCs, emphasizes the significance of integrating material properties, surface treatments, and usage environments in product design, and suggests new avenues for future research, particularly regarding the relationship between multisensory experiences and consumer behavior. Full article

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) have emerged as a sustainable and cost-effective material for construction, particularly in low-cost housing solutions. However, designing WPC panels that meet structural, serviceability, and manufacturing constraints remains a challenge. This study focused on optimizing the cross-sectional shape of WPC roof panels using evolutionary algorithms to minimize material usage while ensuring compliance with deflection and stress constraints. Two evolutionary algorithms—the genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO)—were employed to optimize sinusoidal and trapezoidal panel profiles. The optimization framework integrated finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate structural performance under uniformly distributed loads and self-weight. The modulus of elasticity of the WPC material was determined experimentally through three-point bending tests, ensuring accurate material representation in the simulations. The trapezoidal profile proved to be the most optimal, exhibiting superior deflection performance compared with the sinusoidal profile. A comparative analysis of GA and PSO revealed that PSO outperformed GA in both solution optimality and convergence speed, demonstrating its superior efficiency in navigating the design space and identifying high-performance solutions. The findings highlight the potential of WPCs in low-cost housing applications and offer insights into the selection of optimization algorithms for similar engineering design problems. Full article

This study evaluates the mechanical energy consumption involved in producing wood–plastic composites (WPC) using Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) and a acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene terpolymer (ABS) thermoplastic. The research examines the effects of Hot Water Extraction (HWE) on the properties of Pinus sylvestris biomass and its application in biocomposite production. Two Pinus sylvestris fractions, f1 (0–1 mm) and f2 (1–4 mm), were analyzed with and without HWE during compaction. The energy requirements and material performance were assessed through moisture content control, ash content determination, and compaction testing. The results show that HWE significantly improves the physical and chemical properties of Pinus sylvestris, increasing its suitability for WPC production. The HWE-treated samples consumed less energy and exhibited a higher density compared to the untreated materials. Statistical analysis validated the reliability of the methodology and revealed significant differences in the energy efficiency and material compatibility between treated and untreated samples. This study highlights the potential use of Pinus sylvestris and ABS for renewable bio-composite production, underlining the critical role of HWE in enhancing the properties of lignocellulosic materials. The findings contribute to developing energy-efficient industrial processes aligning with circular economy objectives. Full article

A demand to replace an easily combustible wood with wood–plastic–rubber composite with better thermal performance than wood is at its peak globally. Wood-based composite materials in the form of wood–polymer composite (WPC) have emerged as new materials that can replace wood to produce wood products for various use. The use of recycled polymers as biodegradable polymer blended with fiber particles, waste tire powder, and other substances to manufacture new products known as wood–rubber–plastics composite (WRPC) for building construction and other different applications, has piqued the interest of numerous researchers. High flammability and weak combustibility parameters are a setback for many wood-based composites because of the flammability of these composites. Fabricated WRPC based on non-toxic fire retardants and other additives used to modify the flame-resistant quality of these composites, the fabrication techniques, and mechanical characteristics are herein reviewed. It is hoped that better composite in the form of WRPC can be used as building materials for informal and formal dwellings. Full article

Wood–plastic composites (WPCs) are an excellent example of materials that, thanks to the possibility of using recycled raw materials, directly fit into the circular economy. The properties and quality of composites depend largely on the appropriate selection and proportions of components. These studies included composites produced on the basis of an HDPE-recycled matrix filled with sawdust or bark particles in the amounts of 40%, 50%, and 60%. Their structural features were analyzed for the produced composites. It was shown that a smaller share of filler ensures its more even distribution in the matrix. In turn, the type of filler affects the crystallinity and thermal transformations of the composite. The use of bark as a filler provides more favorable structural parameters of WPCs. Full article

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) offer a means to reduce the carbon footprint by incorporating natural fibers to enhance the mechanical properties. However, there is limited information on the mechanical properties of these materials under hostile conditions. This study evaluated composites of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polylactic acid (PLA) processed via extrusion and injection molding. Tests were conducted on tensile and flexural strength and modulus, heat deflection temperature (HDT), and creep analysis under varying relative humidity conditions (10% and 90%) and water immersion, followed by freeze—thaw cycles. The addition of fibers generally improved the mechanical properties but increased water absorption. HDT and creep were dependent on the crystallinity of the composites. PLA and PS demonstrated a superior overall performance, except for their impact properties, where PP was slightly better than PLA. Full article

The construction field is one of the largest sectors and industries worldwide. This industry is the main industry accused of contributing to greenhouse gases and increasing the effects of climate change. However, the construction industry is indispensable, accordingly in an attempt to decrease the greenhouse gas effects of construction this research presents the manuscript for building a one-story building with all components including waste products. The building model used a strip foundation with a concrete mix design incorporating recycled concrete as a partial replacement for aggregates, cement hollow blocks containing granite waste instead of conventional cement blocks, and sandwiched insulated panels made of wood-plastic composites for the roof. The structural soundness of the system was tested by loading it with a load surpassing its design load in addition to measuring the deflection and checking its abidance to the code limitations. The thermal efficiency was tested by measuring the temperatures in comparison with the outside of the building for a span of 7 days with data recorded every 1 h. Analysis of both the short-term and long-term costs and carbon emissions was performed by acquiring the carbon emissions per unit of material from literature and multiplying it by the quantities of the materials used within the different building alternatives. That study showed that the roofs made of Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) using Wood-Plastic Composite (WPC) facings when used with hollow-block cement block walls have shown enduring cost efficiency and improved thermal insulation, leading to diminished energy usage, life-cycle expenses, and carbon emissions. Furthermore, the proposed system is more environmentally friendly than conventional reinforced concrete technologies due to their lower costs and emissions in addition to improving sustainability through utilizing recycled materials. Full article

The natural and laboratory-accelerated weathering of wood–plastic composites (WPCs) based on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) plastics was investigated in this study. Injection molded samples of WPCs with different loadings of wood fiber ranging from 0 to 36 wt.% of wood were subjected to laboratory-accelerated weathering and natural weathering. The integrity of samples weathered to different extents was tested using a standard tensile test and surface hardness test to investigate the dependence of these properties on the duration of weathering exposure. Tensile data were used to identify the loading of wood fibers in either plastic matrix that afforded superior ultra-violet (UV) stability. Tensile measurements under uniaxial strain yielded average values of tensile strength (TS), low-extension modulus (E), and elongation at break (EB). Both natural weathering outdoors and accelerated weathering in the laboratory showed that the TS and EB decreased while the E increased with the duration of exposure for all samples tested. The change in the average TS of composites with the duration of exposure offers valuable insights. The correlation between the tensile and hardness data for the WPC samples was explored. After naturally weathering at two exposure sites, the hardness of the WPCs was found to decrease between 8% to 12.5%, depending on the composition and exposure location parameters. Furthermore, no marked difference in performance with increasing wood fiber beyond 18 wt.% was observed. WPCs can be a key parameter in environmental sustainability by being used in the building and packaging industries, which reduces carbon emissions and waste generation. Full article