Wood Composites Wood Technology

Deciding on the Optimal Wood-Plastic Composite Matrix

Wood-plastic composites (WPCs) combine the advantages of wood and plastic, offering a durable and versatile material. When choosing the plastic matrix for a WPC, manufacturers often consider factors such as cost, processing ease, and the desired mechanical properties of the final product. Polypropylene (PP) is generally less expensive and easier to process than polyethylene (PE), but PE offers superior impact resistance.

Which of the following would be most useful to know in evaluating whether PP or PE is the more appropriate choice for a particular WPC application?