Thermoplastic composite lumber having reinforcing laminate of unidirectional fibers

Plastics are becoming increasingly used by the manufacturing industry. Plastics often provide benefits, such as decreased weight, reduced cost, and simplified manufacturing processes. As the amount of consumer generated solid waste continues to increase, the recyclabilty of plastics is also advantageous, as it is estimated that by volume, plastics may make up as much as one-quarter of all municipal solid waste. Therefore, the use of recycled plastics may assist in reducing the problem of municipal solid waste pollution. The use of plastics may also be beneficial in situations where a plastic material may be substituted for a material that is either non-renewable or of limited supply, such as timber. In addition, plastics are often resistant to moisture and insect damage, and may provide a substantially maintenance-free building material. A thermoplastic composite lumber product having at least one layer of a reinforcing laminate containing unidirectional fibers of glass, carbon or ceramics. The thermoplastic composite lumber of the present invention exhibits superior stiffness and strength compared to typical, non-reinforced plastic lumber.