Degradation of a wood-plastic composite exposed under tropical conditions

C Schauwecker; Jeffrey J Morrell; A G McDonald; J S Fabiyi

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Degradation of a wood-plastic composite exposed under tropical conditions

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Degradation of a wood-plastic composite exposed under tropical conditions

C Schauwecker, Jeffrey J Morrell, A G McDonald and J S Fabiyi

Forest Products Journal, Vol.56(11-12), pp.123-129

2006

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Abstract

The physical and chemical changes of wood-plastic composites (WPC) were examined after 10 years in field (stake and ground proximity) tests at a tropical site near Hilo, Hawaii. The effects of biological agents (especially fungi) were examined using a Pilodyn, microscopy, and culturing. Pilodyn pin penetration increased significantly in weathered material, indicating some decline in surface hardness over time. Microscopic examination revealed that the wood particles on the exposed surfaces were degraded in both soil contact and ground proximity samples, but the damage was relatively shallow. A variety of microorganisms, but no basidiomycetous fungi, were isolated from the samples. Type 1 soft-rot cavities were also observed on wood particles. Chemical changes that occurred at the surface of WPC as a result of the combined effects of biodégradation and photo/thermal degradation were also examined. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis showed that the wood content was significantly reduced, relative to plastic content, on weathered WPC surfaces. Surface analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that oxidation had occurred. The potential for developing surface treatments to arrest the shallow damage on the WPC is also discussed.

Details

Title: Degradation of a wood-plastic composite exposed under tropical conditions
Authors: C Schauwecker (Author) - Oregon State University, United States
Jeffrey J Morrell (Author) - Oregon State University, United States
A G McDonald (Author) - Oregon State University, United States
J S Fabiyi (Author) - Oregon State University, United States
Publication details: Forest Products Journal, Vol.56(11-12), pp.123-129
Publisher: Forest Products Society
Date published: 2006
ISSN: 0015-7473; 0015-7473
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451433602621
Output Type: Journal article

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