Wood-PVC composites: formulation optimisation

A standard rigid PVC profile formulation has been optimised to better accept the wood fibre presence in terms of compatibility, dispersion level, rheology, extrusion output, physical and mechanical properties of extrudates. Several different additives have been evaluated at different use levels. Process aids and lubricants appear to be the most critical ones. The effects of wood flour type and content, PVC resin K value, as well as specific wood-PVC compatibilisers have also been investigated. It is concluded that PVC is the most suitable polymer matrix for wood-plastic composites applications.