Uses of Wood-Plastic Composites

Recently, WPCs have been used as carriers for biopolymers and microorganisms (Fig. 26.4). Robledo-Ortiz et al. [50] used a composite material of recycled HDPE and agave fibers for bacterial immobilization. According to the results reported, the natural adhesion of Pseudomonas putida FI onto the composite surface is strongly affected by temperature, pH, ionic strength, and initial biomass concentration. Vdzquez et al. [51] coated the same material (agave fibers/HDPE) with chitosan to be applied in heavy-metal adsorption. These studies showed that composite materials represent an attractive low-cost recycled support for bacterial and biopolymers with potential applications in biotechnological and environmental cleanup processes. 

Until 2008, there was an explosive growth in wood and natural fiber composites in the United States. Because of the crisis in the building-products market, the demand for these composites dropped sharply. However, it is expected that economics, environmental concerns, and improved properties in the coming years will increase the demand for natural fiber composites. 

Sanadi A, Caulfield DF, Rowell RM. Lignocellulosic/plastic composites. The fibril angle, Spring 1998 Newsletter. American Chemical Society Dallas, TX 1998. p 8. 

Forest Products Laboratory. Wood handbook Wood as an engineering material. Gen. Tech. Rep. FPL-GTR-113. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory Madison (WI) 1999. 

Wolcott M, editor. The role of thermoplastics in conventional wood composites. 30th International Particleboard/Composite Materials Symposium 1996 Pullman (WA) Washington State University 1996. 

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The use of wood plastic composites (WPC) [6] is gaining importance in construction... 

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