Common Materials in WPC Wall Panels and Their Typical Proportions

Common Materials in WPC Panels and Their Typical Proportions

WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) panels are primarily composed of three categories of materials, with approximate usage proportions based on industry standards:

‌1. Plastic Matrix (50–70%)‌

• ‌Polyethylene (PE)‌: Most common (40–60% of plastic content), including recycled HDPE/LDPE for cost efficiency and outdoor durability.

• ‌Polypropylene (PP)‌: Accounts for 20–30% of plastic content, favored for heat resistance in industrial applications.

• ‌Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)‌: Represents 15–25% of plastic content, preferred for waterproof indoor/outdoor panels.

‌2. Plant Fibers (30–50%)‌

• ‌Wood Flour/Fibers‌: Constitutes 70–90% of fiber content, often from pine, oak, or recycled wood waste.

• ‌Bamboo Fibers‌: Represents 5–15% in premium panels for enhanced strength and antimicrobial properties.

• ‌Agricultural Residues‌: Wheat straw, rice husks, or corn stalks make up 5–10% to reduce costs and improve sustainability.

‌3. Functional Additives (5–10%)‌

• ‌Coupling Agents‌: 2–4% to enhance bonding between plastic and wood fibers.

• ‌UV Stabilizers‌: 1–3% for outdoor panels to prevent weathering.

• ‌Flame Retardants‌: 1–2% in fire-resistant applications.

• ‌Lubricants/Pigments‌: 1–2% for processing efficiency and color customization.

Supplementary Data

• ‌Indoor Panels‌: Typically use PVC-based WPC (60–70% plastic) for moisture resistance and smooth finishes.

• ‌Outdoor Decking‌: PE-based WPC dominates (50–60% plastic) with higher UV stabilizer content (3–5%).

• ‌Industrial Applications‌: PP-based composites prioritize heat resistance, often containing 50–65% plastic.

Performance Notes

• ‌Density‌: Ranges from 1.1–1.4 g/cm³, influenced by wood fiber ratios (higher fiber = lower density).

• ‌Water Absorption‌: <2% for PVC/PE-based panels vs. 3–5% for PP/agricultural fiber blends.

• ‌Cost‌: Panels with >50% recycled plastic reduce material costs by 15–30% compared to virgin materials.

This composition balances structural integrity, environmental sustainability, and cost-effectiveness across construction, furniture, and architectural applications.