RESINS FOR WPC
Popular polymer resins for WPC are PVC (Polyvinyl chloride), PE (Polyethylene) and PP (Polypropylene). Globally PE and PP based wood polymer composites are widely used. Indian has started with PVC based WPC board manufacturing in last years. With main resins there are several additives and fillers get mixed to create a proper formulation according to the property requirement of the product. PVC is widely used for making WPC boards, WPC Indoor profiles as well outdoor profiles too.
PVC’s properties like lead the material for use into interior products like modular furniture, door frames, window frames, doors and other profiles. Products made with PVC can be printed and painted directly. It has a tendency to work with cyanoacrylate adhesive for faster joineries.
PE/PP are widely used for exterior grade products such as outdoor WPC Deck floors, Wall claddings, Pergolas, Gazebos, Benches, Deck tiles, Fencing and facades. It is heavy material by density as a final products and used for rough and tough outdoor applications. Globally PE/PP are known for their use with natural fibre polymer composites.
NATURAL FIBERS
WPC is known as NFPC (natural fiber polymer composite), globally. WPC is made with the use of natural fibers like wood and other agriculture residues/waste fibers. Saw mill dust is widely used after converting into fine mesh wood powder. This can be of different species of wood e.g. Pine, Teak etc.
Countries like India – where Agriculture is a major activity – has variety of agricultural waste fibers. Rice husk is one of them and can be collected easily compare to other fibers. Apart, jute fibers, wheat straws and bamboo are also termed as fiber resources.