What is WPC and where is it applied?

Wood is considered one of the most demanded materials used in construction and finishing works. The reason for its popularity can be called versatility in processing, high decorative qualities, thermal insulation capabilities. The manufacturer minimized all the disadvantages of wood and multiplied the advantages of plastic during the creation of WPC.

WPC stands for wood-polymer composite. It is a modern finishing material, which is characterized by the characteristics of wood and polymer. Liquid wood is popular with the consumer due to its availability and optimal price. The product contains wood waste in fractions from 0.5 to 5 mm, as well as a polymer in the form of polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene or PVA.

Besides, In liquid wood, chemical additives are often present that improve the quality characteristics of the material. Sawdust, shavings or wood fibers can be used as the wood part. Typically, WPC includes an equal amount of the above components.

Liquid composite wood has the following characteristics:

• density from 1200 to 1400 kg / m3;
• bending strength;
• specific viscosity according to Charpy from 6 kJ / M2;
• specific elasticity in tension from 4100 N / mm2;
• compressive strength;
• heat and sound conductivity;
• the possibility of mechanical processing;
• environmental friendliness and safety.

The wood-polymer composite has a pleasant woody texture, it is characterized by the reliability and long service life of plastic. This material is able to withstand temperatures ranging from -40 to +70 degrees Celsius.

Like any other material, wood-plastic has both pros and cons. The advantages of WPC are the following characteristics:

• Fire safety;
• resistance to moisture, ultraviolet radiation, negative environmental factors;
• ease of installation and processing;
• lack of difficulties in leaving;
• wide area of ​​use and assortment;
• mechanical strength.

If you want to use a liquid tree, the master may have the following negative points:

• the use of WPC is possible only in rooms with a ventilation system;
• poor tolerance to high temperature material combined with high humidity.

A type of wood-polymer composite is DPKT. These products are distinguished by the presence of low-combustible and absolutely safe polymer elements, namely thermoplastics. WPC can be either full-bodied or hollow. According to the method of flooring, liquid wood is solid and with gaps. The continuous coating does not allow moisture to pass through, prevents the penetration of small objects into the interior.

A non-continuous polymer board is laid using gaps. In this case, moisture seeps under the flooring. The wood-polymer composite can have a closed or open profile. The closed profile has a pair of horizontal surfaces with bridges.An open profile is cheaper than the previous one, it has a lower height, but it should be used in places with a low load. WPC can have 2 types of surface.

• Grooved or corduroy. This material is non-slip and practically does not wear off. The disadvantage of this type of wood-plastic is some inconvenience in maintenance.
• With imitation wood. The surface of this type has high decorative indicators, but compared to the previous version, it wears off and slides faster.

Currently, the production of wood-polymer composite is an active industry in the USA, China, and Western Europe. There are about 650 enterprises in the world that work with technologies in this direction. As you know, in the manufacture of liquid wood, 3 components are used. Some manufacturers may add rice husk or cake to the substance to reduce the cost of production.

WPC is made according to a certain scheme.

• Shredding wood. To grind wood to the required fraction, special equipment is used. The procedure is carried out on a hammer or knife crusher. After the wood particles acquire a size of 7 to 1.5 mm, they are sieved and fractionated.
• Drying wood. Raw materials need to be dried only when the humidity in the room exceeds 15%.
• Dosage and mixing of components. All elements must be combined in certain proportions and mixed thoroughly. The ratio of wood flour to polymer is as follows:
  • 70/30 - the material has the properties of wood fiber, is characterized by fragility and a service life of no more than 7 years;
  • 50/50 - this ratio is considered the most optimal, since in this case the material has the decorative qualities of wood and the strength of the polymer;
  • 40/60 - a product with such components looks like plastic, to the touch the material has a direct resemblance to it.
• The pressing and shaping of products is considered the final stage in the production of liquid wood. At this stage, the material acquires its technical characteristics and appearance.

The advantageous characteristics of the WPC contribute to the fact that it is actively used in various spheres of human life. Slats, balusters, slabs, lining, wickets, curbs, planks, boards are made of this universal material.

Facing panels made of wood-plastic have the same dimensions and purpose as plastic products. For this reason, the material is often used as an alternative to plastic siding. The woody components of the material provide an anti-slip effect, as well as high decorative qualities. In addition, WPC panels are much lower than plastic ones, and are in no way inferior in quality.

WPC is actively used in the creation of flooring. It is used in the manufacture of flooring, various types of parquet, linoleum. Also, liquid wood can be used to make a coating similar to wooden floorboards, it has a look, smell and properties similar to the original.

To obtain a complex pattern on the surface of liquid wood, manufacturers use injection molding. The superiority of wood-polymer composite flooring is considered to be that it is subject to sanding, due to which the pattern is restored and the floors are leveled.

WPC items in the form of round and square pipes with internal rigid ribs have found their application as load-bearing supports in the construction of light structures. The special effectiveness of the material is observed in the form of piles. Unlike wooden counterparts, supporting elements made of liquid wood are more expensive, but they last much longer.

Like other polymer materials, wood-polymer composite is used during the manufacture of roofing. Examples of such products are roof tiles and corrugated slate. The use of wood waste contributes to the low cost of products, which plastic counterparts cannot boast of (and at the same time it is not inferior in quality).

WPC roofing is characterized by a high level of noise and heat insulation. When making these products, the manufacturer uses 2 types of molding. Hollow panels and sheets are made by extrusion method, and surfaces with complex patterns - under high pressure.

WPC is characterized by sound and noise absorption functions. The more air bubbles are inside the material, the higher the noise suppression factor in it. Liquid wood has a sound insulation function that is no worse than that of other materials similar in composition. However, at the same time, wood-plastic products are characterized by low cost, which is justified by the use of wood waste and the re-use of plastic.

A large number of garden furniture is made of wood-polymer composite. The material has found its application in the manufacture of benches, countertops, as well as other interior items that can be used to furnish the kitchen, living room. WPC products look expensive, stylish and weightless. Such furniture can last longer, it does not need special care, unlike natural wood products.

Often consumers purchase interior items made of liquid wood for arranging outdoor terraces, open verandas, cafes. This furniture does not exude an unpleasant odor, it can be used by people prone to allergies. The main characteristics of such products are the following:

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• interesting design;
• lack of the possibility of rotting;
• light weight;
• resistance to ultraviolet radiation.

Wood-polymer composite is a new generation material, it is increasingly used by craftsmen in construction and repair. Doors, windows, platbands made of WPC are not prone to desiccation, decay, deformation. Such products are able to maintain their quality and decorative characteristics for a long time with sharp temperature changes and high humidity.

Doors and windows made of wood-plastic are fireproof, since they do not support the combustion process in air. Windows and other structures made of liquid wood are characterized by resistance to mechanical damage, ultraviolet radiation, temperature extremes, the appearance of fungus and mold.

Currently, wood-polymer composite can be purchased in Russia and abroad. Plants for the manufacture of material sell goods with a different composition, as well as the ratio of components. The best WPC manufacturers produce products with high quality characteristics and aesthetic properties.

Popular manufacturers rating:

• Newwood;
• Holzdeck;
• Multideck;
• Ecodeck;
• Lignatek;
• Mirradex;
• CM Decking;

Many consumers prefer the products of the Russian company Polywood. The company is engaged in the manufacture and sale of steps, fences, fences, siding and furniture. Products from this manufacturer have established themselves as high-quality, durable and wear-resistant.

As practice has shown, the installation of liquid wood panels usually does not cause any difficulties. However, masters should be aware of some important points that must be taken into account in their work. It is strongly not recommended to lay WPC at subzero ambient temperatures. If the work will be carried out at a positive, but low temperature, then the board should be left outside for some time to adapt. Whatever the coating, craftsmen need to leave a ventilation gap between the strips. In order to lay the decking board with high quality, it is worth preparing the surface in advance. For this, a monolithic slab is poured, a frame is made of metal, or point supports are used.

Fasteners should be carried out on mounting logs made of wood-plastic. In this case, the distance between the central points of the lag should be 0.4 meters. To exclude the penetration of extraneous noise into the structure, experts recommend laying rubber pillows under the logs. In addition, it is worth preventing contact between the material and the soil, as well as making a slope in order for precipitation to descend.

Suture mounting of the KDP involves the use of a cleaimer or clip. As a result of the work, a seam of 0.5-0.1 cm should be formed. Suture installation of liquid wood is considered especially relevant in the case of arranging flooring in an open area.

With a seamless installation of wood-plastic, the board is attached to the log directly using self-tapping screws. In this case, the gap for thermal expansion should be about 3 mm. Since this procedure entails some difficulties in the watercourse, it is better to use it when working with closed terraces or indoors.

Seamless WPC assembly is characterized by accuracy and aesthetic appeal. In case of non-compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the installation of liquid wood, the service life of the structure will be significantly reduced.

WPC is considered a modern type of building material, which has a lot of positive performance characteristics, a high level of strength and aesthetics. The popularity of wood-polymer composite products is growing every year. Many consumers have already appreciated the advantages and disadvantages of liquid wood.

According to reviews, many homeowners have chosen this particular material to create siding. Consumers prefer universal boards, as they create an attractive appearance of the building, protect it from the penetration of cold and noise.

Information about the wood-polymer composite indicates the high strength of the material. Based on customer reviews, the surface of liquid wood is not prone to deformation from mechanical damage, strong pressure. These panels have a flexible and resilient structure, but users say that being hit by a large and heavy object will split the surface. Also, many consumers have already appreciated the durability and low weight of the boards.

Reviews indicate that the KDP serves for at least 10 years. Also, experienced craftsmen note some fragility of the material and advise to protect it from severe mechanical damage. You can mount a liquid tree with your own hands, without asking for help from the masters. Consumers are advised not to buy products that are too cheap, as they can burn out and lose their visual appeal by the next season.

According to the advice of experienced craftsmen, when choosing a wood-polymer composite, you should pay attention to the following points:

• uniformity of the structure;
• clarity of edges;
• absence of defects on the surface;
• lack of waviness, crumbs and delamination.

Technologies in the production of building materials do not stand still, therefore, a universal and high-quality material - WPC - has recently appeared on the market.The use of liquid wood contributes to the fact that the master can build a neat, reliable, attractive-looking structure with minimal financial costs.