Evolution of Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) Materials: A Brief Introduction

Update time : 2021-06-07

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) materials have significantly evolved since their inception in the mid-20th century. These materials, a blend of wood fibers and plastic, have found an array of applications across different sectors. This article delves into the chronological progression of WPC materials, from their invention to their modern-day usage, especially in the construction sector.

The invention and history of Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) materials trace back to the mid-20th century, with different sources attributing the initial development to various entities and timeframes. Here’s a chronological outline of the key milestones in the invention and history of WPC materials:

1960s - Inception in Italy

• The journey of WPC began in the 1960s when an Italian plastics company in Milan first invented the material. The product was initially launched under the name Plastic-Wood. By the mid-60s, a company named Icma San Giorgio had patented a process of blending wood fiber with thermoplastics to manufacture WPCs​​.

1960s - Covema’s Contributions

• Around the same time, a company named Covema, based in Milan and founded by the Terragni brothers (Dino and Marco), is credited with inventing and patenting the process to create WPC. They trademarked WPC under the name Plastic-Wood​​.

1966 - Production in the USA

• In 1966, the Bouling branch of AMF Company in the United States established the world’s first production line for WPC materials, utilizing catalytic heating for the production process. This marks one of the earliest instances of large-scale WPC production, paving the way for further advancements and applications in the field.

1968 - ARCO Chemical Company

• In 1968, another significant development occurred when the American ARCO Chemical Company produced WPC materials using gamma rays. These were mainly used to create parquet floors, indicating an early application of WPC in flooring solutions.

1970s - Automotive Applications

• The 1970s saw WPC being used in the automotive industry. Polypropylene mixed with about 50% wood flour was extruded into flat sheets, which were then formed into various shapes for interior automotive paneling. This marked one of the first major applications of WPC in a different industry sector.

1990s - WPC Door and Window Frames

• By 1993, the Andersen Corporation began utilizing PVC-based WPC for door profiles and window frames, marking an early adoption of WPC in the construction sector, particularly for door and window framing applications.

2012 - WPC Door Frames in China:

Fast forward to 2012, when the innovation of WPC door frames took a significant turn in China, with companies like Wentrica collaborating to design and create a solid WPC door frame, marking a notable milestone in the evolution of WPC door frames​5.

Conclusion

The trajectory of Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) materials reflects a blend of innovation, adaptation, and global collaboration. From the early developments in Italy to the contemporary applications in construction, particularly in door frames, WPC has come a long way. Its evolution elucidates a tale of envisioning solutions that align with environmental sustainability, practical utility, and global adaptability.