Additive developments aid growth in wood-plastic composites

Abstract The use of wood-plastic composites is growing rapidly, as consumers experience their advantages over wood including low or no routine maintenance and no cracking, warping or splintering. Additive use is growing as wood-plastic composites penetrate new markets with more stringent performance requirements and as interest in long-term stability of composite products increases. While profile extrusion is used for the biggest portion of the market, in decking boards, injection moulding is finding a place as well. Foaming of both extruded and injection moulded parts is of growing interest. Jennifer Markarian reports for Plastics Additives & Compounding.