Composite WoodComposite Wood

Juan de Dios HernandezJuan de Dios Hernandez

MEEN 3344MEEN 3344

Dr. Larry PeelDr. Larry Peel

What is it?What is it?

Composite Wood is made from a combination of Composite Wood is made from a combination of plasticpolyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and or plasticpolyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and or polyvinyl chloride (PVC ).polyvinyl chloride (PVC ).

Plastic shields wood from moisture and insect Plastic shields wood from moisture and insect damage.damage.

The wood protects the plastic from UV damage. The wood protects the plastic from UV damage. The cost compared to regular wood is almost the The cost compared to regular wood is almost the

same, but composite wood offers superior quality and same, but composite wood offers superior quality and resistence.resistence.

Composite Lumber VS. WoodComposite Lumber VS. WoodInitial Cost and Maintenance over the years

Benefits of Composite WoodBenefits of Composite Wood

Splinter FreeSplinter Free Skid FreeSkid Free Resists weathering Resists weathering Does not deformDoes not deform No insect damageNo insect damage No maintenance No maintenance

required required Stays new for years Stays new for years

Disadvantages of Composite WoodDisadvantages of Composite Wood

DecolorizeDecolorize

May not look realMay not look real

Sometimes weighs more Sometimes weighs more

Flexible in hot weather Flexible in hot weather

Rigid in cold weatherRigid in cold weather

Where is it used?Where is it used?

Due to its resistance to weathering and diversity of Due to its resistance to weathering and diversity of colors, it is often used in decks, railings, around colors, it is often used in decks, railings, around pools & hot tubs.pools & hot tubs.

ReferencesReferences

www.trex.comwww.trex.com

www.timbertech.comwww.timbertech.com

www.fibercomposites.comwww.fibercomposites.com

www.compositesworld.com/ www.compositesworld.com/ ct/issues/2003/June/136 ct/issues/2003/June/136