 WPC
(wood plastic composites) have been developed in the last 10 years and
significantly enlarge the possibilities of design and functionality of
wood and plastic materials. They are thermoplastical processable
composite materials with different contents of wood, plastic and
additives. Extrusion or injection moulding are typical shaping
processes of WPC. WPC have a high potential of properties which can be
seen in the dynamic of worldwide production and sales rates.
Up
to now only thermoplastics have been used in WPC. No applications with
thermosets in WPC are known though melamine and urea resins are used
very often in conventional wood composites and thereby give excellent
properties. This capability has been picked up by the WPC division in
the research field “wood-thermoset-composites” and has been intensively
handled there. The research field “wood-thermoplastic-composites” works
with conventional WPC. Extraordinarily interesting research topics for
innovative applications are conducted. Positive responses of the market
indicate the right way of our works. The
division WPC develops new materials and technologies with a high
relevance of realisation. Considerable pilot plants for compounding,
extrusion or quality assurance (e. g. weathering tests) can be used by
Wood K plus. Market research accompanies the technical development. | 