Compounding and Extrusion of Wood-Plastic Composites

The production of Wood-Plastic Composites typically uses a fine wood waste (cellulose based fiber fillers such as hardwood, softwood, plywood, peanut hulls, bamboo, straw, etc.) mixed with recycling manufactured wood productsvarious plastics (PP, PE, PVC). The powder is extruded to a doughlike consistency and then extruded to the desired shape.Additives such as colorants, coupling agents, stabilizers, blowing agents, reinforcing agents, foaming agents, and lubricants help tailor the plastic end product to the target area of application.With up to 70 percent cellulose content, wood-plastic composites behave like wood using conventional woodworking tools. At the same time, they are extremely moisture-resistant. There is little or no water present, thus increasing resistance to rot.Wood-plastic composites grades of hardwood floor tiles for patio are already widespread in outdoor use for decking, cladding, park benches, etc. There is also a growing market for potential indoor uses such as door frames, trim and furniture.Compared to many other processes, on-line compounding and extrusion exhibit short performance timescales, consistent with the mixing time of the extruder. For high formulation quality the feeding system must achieve and maintain its required blending accuracy within this brief time.Key to a feeder's ability to attain high accuracy over short intervals is the resolution of its waterproof vinyl boat flooringweighing device and response of its process controller. As the illustration at right shows, lengthy performance timescales permit a given blending accuracy to be attained with a low performance weighing system.