5 amazing facts about WPCs
Wood composites include a range of different derivative wood products, all of which are created by binding the strands, fibers or boards of wood together. The ability of wood composites to be tailored to specific uses, together with their strength properties and affordability, makes them a sustainable solution to reducing the need for solid wood. Over time since the process for producing it was patented in Milan in 1960, WPCs have been successfully applied in all forms of building, from small home projects to industrial construction work, all over the globe. As technology in manufacturing them advances, here are 2 amazing facts you need to know about WPCs and how you can take advantage of them during construction.
1. It is man-made
One of the main advantages of wood composite is that it is manmanufactured. Instead of the manual cutting of real wood, WPCs use technology to replicate the look of wood but make it more versatile. WPCs can be designed for specific design requirements. It can be produced in various thicknesses, grades, sizes and exposure durabilities, as well as manufactured to take advantage of the natural strength characteristics of wood (while not lacking the natural look and color of real wood). Therefore, it can be used in different projects, enabling more design options without sacrificing structural requirements.
The technology used to process WPCs was first invented and patented in Milan by Covema of Milan, founded by Terragni brothers (Dino and Marco). Covema called WPC under the tradename Plastic-Wood. Later on, different countries followed suit, with different technologies and fillers. Japan contended, with its high-tech processes and laboratories. Their keen attention to details also prompted them to conduct various tests and set standards to qualify recycled composite woods and plastics.
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Did you know that here in our country, PADI Floors and Decks Inc., who has been furnishing decks, gardens and patios with award-winning quality outdoor furniture for over 30 years now, is the pioneer of a Japan-invented technology in producing their WPCs? Called WOOD HYBRID TECHNOLOGY (WHT) is an innovative hybrid technology that enables heterogeneous materials to be successfully extruded together under high temperature. This technology is an outcome of several researches made in Japan since 2009 and based on wood composite technology and co-extrusion process. The product, called wood hybrids, have the look and feel of natural wood. They are easier to install and perform better than natural wood and their exceptional properties allow utilizations that are many times broader than those of wood. They are used in both exterior and interior applications such as facades, cladding, louvers, trims, screens, pergolas, canopies and other architectural designs.
The product, called wood hybrids, have the look and feel of natural wood.
A resort in Boracay
2. WPC is not entirely made out of just pure wood and plastic.
WPCs are composite materials made of wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastic(s) such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polylactic acid (PLA). In addition to wood fiber and plastic, WPCs can also contain other ligno-cellulosic and/or inorganic filler materials. Regular WPCs are created from a unique blend of natural wood and plastic fibers. But today, different manufacturers use different fillers and cores to go with the times and needs of today’s modern built environment.
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In PADI Floors and Decks Inc., three (3) layers of different materials undergo their Japan-patented triple extrusion process [WHT]. Light & stable aluminum serves as the core. The outside layer is made up of copolymer resin of wood plastic composite resulting in the profiles characteristics of tropical wood. Theirs is an alliance of two outstanding materials - wood composite and aluminum.
