Wood plastic composite products is a new type composite material booming in recent years, refers to the use of polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride, etc. It is mainly used for building materials, furniture, logistics, packaging and other industries. According to the plastic material, there are mainly PVC wood products, PE wood products, HDPE wood composite products etc. Wood plastic composites (WPCs) are composite materials made of wood fiber/flour and thermoplastic(s) (includes PE, PP, PVC etc.).Chemical additives, as a third composition component, are practically invisible (except mineral fillers and pigments, if added) in the composite structure. They provide for almost complete integration of polymer and wood flour (powder) while facilitating optimal processing conditions. In addition to wood fiber and plastic, WPCs can also contain other ligno cellulosic and inorganic filler materials. WPCs are a subset of a larger category of materials called natural fiber plastic composites (NFPCs), which may contain no cellulose based fiber fillers such as pulp fibers, peanut hulls, bamboo, straw, digestate, etc. Plastic lumber products began appearing in Indian markets in the late 1980s. Its development was stimulated both by the rising volume of largely un recycled plastic waste for which uses were needed as well as by increasing consumer interest in more durable, lower maintenance outdoor products such as decking and fencing. The major selling points for composite lumber are that it is free of potentially hazardous chemicals, and made largely from long lasting, low maintenance, recycled materials. It is, often promoted as an environmentally preferable or green alternative to other decking materials. In this paper we examine the performance of wood plastic composite (WPC) decking and its environmental properties. Uses & Application Wood plastic composites are still new materials relative to the long history of natural lumber as a building material. The most widespread use of WPCs in North America is in outdoor deck floors, but it is also used for railings, fences, landscaping timbers, cladding and siding, park benches, molding and trim, window and door frames, and indoor furniture. Wood plastic composites were first introduced into the decking market in the early 1990s. Manufacturers claim that wood plastic composite is more environmentally friendly and requires less maintenance than the alternatives of solid wood treated with preservatives or solid wood of rot resistant species. These materials can be molded with or without simulated wood grain details. Market Survey Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs) are defined as composite materials that contain thermoplastics and wood in various forms. Mostly, either the polymer or the fiber, or both, can come from recycled materials. Because of the limited thermal stability of wood, only plastics that can be processed at temperatures below 392 degrees Fahrenheit are used in WPCs. The average product carries about 50% wood, generally in particulate form, such as wood flour or very short fibers. WPCs represent one of the rapidly growing markets within the plastics industry. Double digit growth is expected through 2011 for WPCs used as replacement for treated wood in building products and related applications. However, WPC lumber will see much faster growth through 2011, posting gains of 14.3% pa to reach US$2.6. Composite lumber demand will be fueled by strong demand in decking applications. In addition, rapid growth in windows and door applications, as well as smaller niche end uses (porches, site and leisure furniture) will support demand going forward. Among the major product categories window and door applications for WPCs are anticipated to post the most rapid gains through 2011. As with other applications, WPC window and door components are making inroads because of their lower maintenance requirements, durability in exterior applications and similarities to wood. Decking applications are projected to see strong gains through 2011, continuing to increase its relative share of the composite and plastic lumber industry.
