Biological performance of wood-plastic composites containing zinc borate: Laboratory and 3-year field test results
Loading...
Files
Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier Sci Ltd
Access Rights
info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
Abstract
Six different formulations of wood-plastic composites (WPC) fabricated from wood and polypropylene (PP) were tested in the laboratory against decay and termites and in a protected above-ground field test in southern Japan. Variables examined included comparisons of untreated and zinc borate (ZnB) incorporated formulations, wood content ratio, wood particle size and increased surface area via surface grooves (channels) to promote moisture infusion. A standard method originally designed to test durability of solid wood was modified for testing WPC. Wood decay fungi and Formosan subterranean termite activity in laboratory and field tests resulted in different mass losses, post-decay moisture contents and field test ratings depending on their wood and ZnB content. The results show that as wood content increased, mass losses also increased. Addition of ZnB at 1% (w/w) retention level significantly decreased mass losses of wood-plastic composite when exposed to laboratory decay and termite tests. The effects of surface grooves and wood particle size were less important, compared to wood particle content. All WPC tested were highly resistant to fungal decay under protected above-ground field conditions during 36 months. Termite attack, on the other hand, started at earlier stage reducing mean ratings 1 year after the installation. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Description
WOS: 000320294200022
Keywords
Polymer matrix composites (PMCs), Environmental degradation, Statistical properties/methods, Compression moulding, Zinc borate
Journal or Series
Composites Part B-Engineering
WoS Q Value
Q1
Scopus Q Value
Q1
Volume
51
