Wood-polymer composite (WPC) is the basic material, using which P&W manufactures its products – decking, siding and fencing. Wood-polymer composite is a new, modern and promising material. Currently used WPC was first produced in the 90s of the last century. Its scope of application is constantly expanding, and production is growing steadily. Now the global WPC market exceeds 5 billion US dollars.
The basis of wood-polymer composite is finely milled natural wood with addition of polymers and special chemical admixtures – modifiers (additives). Using special technological equipment, all these materials are mixed and then by extrusion a corresponding profile is formed. The P&W wood-polymer composite usually includes wood – 70 %, polyethylene – 25 % and additives – 5%. The exact percentages of components may vary to obtain the desired properties of the final product, and these data represent the technological “know-how” of the company.
Consumer properties of wood-polymer materials are primarily determined by the properties of its original components: wood and polymer. The basis of the material is natural wood, and this defines the basic properties of WPC: eco-friendliness, healthiness and esthetically pleasing texture. In addition to it, such products are not heat up in the sun. Due to adding of chemical polymers, the material obtains several new properties compared with natural wood: it has high mechanical strength, it does not peel or fade, it is not exposed to rot, mildew, fungi or destructive insects, and it is resistant to deformation and does not require additional protection and care.
One of the most widely used (and mostly produced by P&W) products made of wood-polymer composite is decking. High consumer properties of decking and its resistance to adverse factors determine popularity of this material for decorating of residential and commercial areas, recreational areas, berths and coastal areas, pool areas, balconies, terraces, garden paths etc.
As any other product, WPC decking has many varieties, which differ in consumer characteristics, level of quality and price. Therefore, for proper selection of WPC decking with the required parameters, quality and corresponding price (with an optimal quality/price ratio) we recommend you ask for assistance of an expert. When choosing decking by yourself, first, you shall pay attention to the cut edge: the high-quality material edge will have no chips; the cut area shall not be tufted. It is also important to consider the geometry of WPC decking – qualitatively designed geometry indicates high quality, efficient production technology and great working condition of the equipment that produces the material. It is recommended to select decking considering also natural factors and climate zones of its using. Wood-polymer composite products chosen correctly will have guaranteed long service life and compliance with all the properties declared by the manufacturer.