Wood Plastic Composite Information

The Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) Information Center provides technical and industry information about wood plastic composites which are also referred to as composite lumber or natural fiber thermoplastic composites. The Wood Plastic Composites information website could be helpful for composite lumber/ composite decking/ wood working business start ups, small-scale entrepreneurs, new wood working business ventures or for anyone who is interested in knowing more about wood plastic composites, composite decking, and natural fiber wood working businesses and markets. The WPC website includes information on producers of composite lumber or composite decking materials, suppliers to composite decking and railing manufacturers, composite testing and evaluation procedures for obtaining IAS Accredited code compliance reports,  marketing, and about applications of composite lumber or timber plastic composite materials for infrastructure and building construction projects.

Wood plastic composites, generally produced using extrusion technology, are composed of natural fibers or wood in particulate form, thermoplastic resins (polyolefins) and additives such as lubricants, colorants and inorganics.

Natural fiber and wood plastic composite producers and suppliers can utilize the Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory’s consultation to obtain comprehensive guidance to processes, such as extrusion and injection molding, and product performance such as composite deck board and guardrail systems, composite lumber, plastic lumber, wood based products, and fastening systems.

The Composite Materials and Engineering Center (CMEC) at the Washington State University (WSU) has been serving clients since 1960. Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory is equipped with IAS accredited code compliant laboratory standards, composite testing research facilities  which meets the highest international quality standards in advising and composite testing. Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory pursues extensive research, composite testing and consultation for exterior and interior commercial building materials of wood based and natural fiber based composites. Wood Materials and Engineering Laboratory equipment and testing capabilities include natural fiber composite or composite lumber material manufacturing, sorting, drying, blending, forming, furnish generation, lumber material thermal and surface analysis, spectroscopic and microscopic analysis, non destructive evaluation, and modeling and code compliance testing and data analysis.

Clients may use our evaluation reports as evidence of IAS Accredited code compliance.

Affiliations

The WPCInfo website is maintained and administered by the Composite Materials and Engineering Center at  Washington State University.  The work is supported jointly by CMEC and the College of Extension.