Wood-plastic and its use in the production of doors

Wood-polymer composites have been actively introduced since the 90s, and today this material is becoming more and more popular, it is necessary, in particular, for the production of doors. This material is called wood-plastic or WPC, it is created on the basis of resins and fillers of organic or mineral origin.

Technology

The creation is done in two steps. Initially, the primary raw materials are compounded, and their uniform distribution in the composition is ensured. In this way, pellets are obtained, which are further processed into the product. The second stage is carried out mainly by the traditional method for the production of plastics, by extrusion. The substance is forced through a hole with a cross-section of the finished product, cooled. Injection molding is also used, where the material is fed into a cold mold, but the first method is more common.

Painting of the composite is allowed both in its mass, and by using enamels, paints, veneers or films. It is possible to cover the array with a thin layer of plastic of the desired color.

Raw materials

Wood plastics are created mainly from three types of raw materials: crushed wood, polymers, and modifiers. The polymer is the base, it can be used as a polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride. Binders can be starches, some waste products. Recipes vary greatly, their compositions are dictated by the circumstances and operating conditions of the finished product.
 

Areas of application, characteristics

Wood plastic has all the basic advantages of wood and plastic separately, and at the same time demonstrates greater resistance to wear than wood, increased strength and resistance to dampness. Today, WPC is used in construction, where it is used to create door profiles, for example, in industry, including automotive, when creating both interior decoration and exterior structures.
 

WPC doors

WPC provides the production of door sets with the possibility of their further lining with other materials. Labor costs and operations when using such raw materials are required less, which ensures cost-effectiveness. The final texture is similar to natural wood, but the material does not warp or scratch, and is resistant to fire and moisture.

WPC on the world market

The lack of natural materials provokes an increase in the use of WPC, but polymers are dependent on oil production and its prices. The growth is caused by high performance indicators of the material, low cost of raw materials, and ease of obtaining results. At the moment, the WPC market is growing by about 20 percent per year, the basis of material consumption is in the United States, further growth is projected at the expense of China and Europe.

The basis of WPC consumption for the United States is decking, or decking, but the scope of elements for construction from window sills to roofs is also actively expanding. In Europe, it is used mainly in the automotive industry, in smaller volumes - as a building material. In Europe, the market in this direction is poorly developed, and it is actively developing. WPC is also used in Japan, as a building material and in the creation of furniture. In the automotive industry in this country, it is not used so actively. The market is developing dynamically.

In China, WPC is used in the creation of furniture, building materials. Small products for interiors are actively created. In Russia, the WPC market is just emerging.

The material is not classified as the cheapest, in China its kilogram costs 50 cents, in Germany – 90. In Russia, prices may be significantly lower due to the availability and cheapness of raw materials, but at this stage, WPC is used mainly imported. It is expected to increase its own production.

Production in domestic conditions does not yet receive the necessary development, many enterprises find it costly to switch to such production. But the door market is quite ready to switch to such products, the demand for it is great. Competition will sooner or later put everything in the right places, providing a niche for the domestic manufacturer. 

Pub date: 2021.06.01