Wood-Plastic Composites—Performance and Environmental Impacts

This chapter reviews and discusses the performance and environmental impacts of wood-plastic composites (WPCs) used in a variety of applications ranging from construction and automotive sectors to consumer goods. Performance is considered in terms of fitness for use, manufacturing methods, material components of WPCs, and user perceptions of the material. Recent research related to matrix components and their relation to mechanical properties are covered in detail, especially regarding effects of the wood component. Manufacturing processes are also significant contributors to the suitability of WPCs for a given use, and the impact of various aspects of manufacturing are discussed as well. The environmental impacts of WPCs are reviewed and contain comparisons to solid wood alternatives, different matrix components, and future considerations for performing environmental impact assessments of WPCs. Finally, critical aspects of further innovation and future research are covered that are necessary to improve WPCs use as suitable replacements for solid plastic products and materials.