Wood - Polymer Composites as an Alternative to the Natural Environment

Abstract

Along with the growing consumption of wooden and wood-based products, the amount of waste generated during both production and consumption of these products increases. These wastes constitute a rich raw material base, the appropriate use of which can significantly reduce the use of natural wood raw material. Unfortunately, a significant proportion of them, especially of post-use and wood-based origin, end up in landfills. It seems necessary to find ways to use the generated waste. One of them is to use them in the form of strengthening polymer-wood composites. Composites with a wood filler can be a competitive product for materials with an inorganic filler. The wood filler is characterized by lower cost, higher availability and definitely lower density than glass fibers. An additional advantage of composites with wood fiber is their easy recycling and a smaller amount of waste products remaining after combustion. The use of a polymer matrix provides flexibility to the composite and has a positive effect on the ability of the material to stretch under the influence of temperature. The main advantage of the matrix in the form of a polymer is also to provide the product with resistance to the effects of the external environment, especially moisture and water. The main centers for the production of polymeric and wood composites are North America and Europe. Mainly floor, wall and roof platings are created. In addition, they are used as fences, windows and doors as well as additional equipment for platforms, landscape architecture, floor materials and panels.