Application of wood plastic composite in the construction sector

Abstract

As with all products, minimizing the negative environmental impact of building materials is crucial. Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) are a promising alternative and sustainable material to conventional materials, contributing to ecological efficiency. This innovative composite, combining thermoplastics and natural fibers, benefits from the low density, cost-effectiveness, and workability of wood, while the thermoplastic component prevents moisture ingress and biological attacks. Recycled thermo-plastics are also used in the production of this composite, thus developing circular economy. Wood fibers or powder can be sourced from waste generated during the manufacturing processes of lumber and furniture manufacturers. In window applications, various polymers can be used in the composite mixture, with PVC being widely accepted. The most common manufacturing method is extrusion although injection and molding techniques are also utilized. WPCs may contain 30% to 60% wood particles, with a 50:50 wood-to-plastic ratio being most common. The increasing adoption of WPCs is expected to significantly reduce the use of petroleum-based polymers. As a result of this study, WPC, largely unknown and used minimally in Türkiye, will become widespread and accepted in the construction sector.

Keywords

• Composite
• Wood
• Construction
• Plastic
• Waste

İnşaat sektöründe ahşap plastik kompozitin uygulanması

Abstract

Her üründe olduğu gibi yapı malzemelerinde negatif çevresel etkinin minimize edilmesi önemlidir. Ahşap plastik kompozitler (APK), konvansiyonel malzemelere alternatif ve sürdürülebilir malzeme olarak, umut verici bir seçenektir; ekolojik verimliliğin artırılmasına katkı sunar. Termoplastikler ve doğal lifleri (odun vd.) bütünleştiren bu yeni kompozit, odunun düşük yoğunluğu, düşük maliyeti ve işlenebilirlik özelliklerinden faydalanırken; termoplastik bileşen, ürüne nemin girmesini ve biyolojik saldırıyı engeller. Geri dönüştürülmüş termoplastikler de bu kompozitin üretiminde kullanılır, böylece döngüsel ekonomi gelişir. Ahşap lifleri/tozu, kereste ve mobilya üreticilerinin gerçekleştirdiği imalat süresince ortaya çıkan atıklardan elde edilebilir. Pencere uygulamalarında, kompozit karışımda çeşitli polimerler tercih edilebilmekle birlikte PVC kabul görmüştür. Malzemenin en yaygın üretim yöntemi, istenen şekle ekstrüde etmektir, ancak enjeksiyon ve kalıplama da kullanılır. Ahşap-plastik kompozitler (APK), %30’dan %60'a kadar ahşap parçacıkları içerebilir, yaygın şekilde optimum oran olarak %50-%50 uygulanmıştır. Ahşap plastik kompozitler çevre dostu yapılar için giderek daha cazip bir seçenek haline gelmektedir. Bu malzeme kullanımının gelecekte daha da yaygınlaşmasıyla petrol bazlı polimerlerin kullanımının azalmasına büyük bir etki yapacağı muhakkaktır. Bu çalışma sonucunda, Türkiye’de çok sınırlı uygulamada kullanılmış, yeterince tanınmayan APK’nın yaygınlaşarak inşaat sektöründe kabul görmesi hedeflenmektedir.

Keywords

• Kompozit
• Ahşap
• Yapı
• Plastik
• Atık

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