Wood&#;plastic composites (WPCs) are composite materials made of wood fiber/wood flour and thermoplastic(s) such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polylactic acid (PLA).
In addition to wood fiber and plastic, WPCs can also contain other ligno-cellulosic and/or inorganic filler materials. WPCs are a subset of a larger category of materials called natural fiber plastic composites (NFPCs), which may contain no cellulose-based fiber fillers such as pulp fibers, peanut hulls, coffee husk, bamboo, straw, digestate, etc.
Chemical additives provide for integration of polymer and wood flour (powder) while facilitating optimal processing conditions.
[
edit
]
The company that invented and patented the process to create WPC was Covema of Milan in , founded by Terragni brothers (Dino and Marco). Covema made WPC under the tradename Plastic-Wood.[1][2] After a few years from the invention of the Plastic-Wood the company Icma San Giorgio patented the first process to add wood fiber/wood flour to the thermoplastics (WPCs).[3]
[
edit
]
Also sometimes known as composite timber, WPCs are still new materials relative to the long history of natural lumber as a building material. The most widespread use of WPCs in North America is in outdoor deck floors, but it is also used for railings, fences, landscaping timbers, cladding and siding, park benches, molding and trim, prefab houses under the tradename Woodpecker WPC.,[4] window and door frames, and indoor furniture.[5] WPCs were first introduced into the decking market in the early s. Manufacturers[6][7][8][9][10] claim that WPC is more environmentally friendly and requires less maintenance than the alternatives of solid wood treated with preservatives or solid wood of rot-resistant species. These materials can be molded with or without simulated wood grain details.[11]
[
edit
]
The first extrusion line to produce plastic wood, made by CovemaWPCs are produced by thoroughly mixing ground wood particles and heated thermoplastic resin. The most common method of production is to extrude the material into the desired shape, though injection molding is also used. WPCs may be produced from either virgin or recycled thermoplastics including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene (PS), and polylactic acid (PLA). PE-based WPCs are by far the most common. Additives such as colorants, coupling agents, UV stabilizers, blowing agents, foaming agents, and lubricants help tailor the end product to the target area of application. Extruded WPCs are formed into both solid and hollow profiles. A large variety of injection molded parts are also produced, from automotive door panels to cell covers.
In some manufacturing facilities, the constituents are combined and processed in a pelletizing extruder, which produces pellets of the new material. The pellets are then re-melted and formed into the final shape. Other manufacturers complete the finished part in a single step of mixing and extrusion.[12]
Due to the addition of organic material, WPCs are usually processed at far lower temperatures than traditional plastics during extrusion and injection molding. WPCs tend to process at temperatures of about 28 °C (50 °F) lower than the same, unfilled material, for instance. Most will begin to burn at temperatures around 204 °C (400 °F).[13] Processing WPCs at excessively high temperatures increases the risk of shearing, or burning and discoloration resulting from pushing a material that is too hot through a gate which is too small, during injection molding. The ratio of wood to plastic in the composite will ultimately determine the melt flow index (MFI) of the WPC, with larger amounts of wood generally leading to a lower MFI.
Wood-plastic composite is a type of engineered wood.[
edit
]
WPCs do not corrode and are highly resistant to rot, decay, and marine borer attack, though they do absorb water into the wood fibers embedded within the material.[14] Water absorption is more pronounced in WFCs with a hydrophilic matrix such as PLA and also leads to decreased mechanical stiffness and strength.[15] The mechanical performance in a wet environment can be enhanced by an acetylation treatment.[16] WPCs have good workability and can be shaped using conventional woodworking tools. WPCs are often considered a sustainable material because they can be made using recycled plastics and the waste products of the wood industry. Although these materials continue the lifespan of used and discarded materials, they have their own considerable half life; the polymers and adhesives added make WPC difficult to recycle again after use.[17] They can however be recycled easily in a new WPC, much like concrete. One advantage over wood is the ability of the material to be molded to meet almost any desired shape. A WPC member can be bent and fixed to form strong arching curves. Another major selling point of these materials is their lack of need for paint. They are manufactured in a variety of colors, but are widely available in grays and earth tones. Despite up to 70 percent cellulose content (although 50/50 is more common), the mechanical behavior of WPCs is most similar to neat polymers. Neat polymers are polymerized without added solvents.[18][19] This means that WPCs have a lower strength and stiffness than wood, and they experience time and temperature-dependent behavior.[20] The wood particles are susceptible to fungal attack, though not as much so as solid wood, and the polymer component is vulnerable to UV degradation.[21] It is possible that the strength and stiffness may be reduced by freeze-thaw cycling, though testing is still being conducted in this area. Some WPC formulations are sensitive to staining from a variety of agents.
[
edit
]
WPC boards show a good set of performance but monolithic composite sheets are relatively heavy (most often heavier than pure plastics) which limits their use to applications where low weight is not essential. WPC in a sandwich-structured composite form allows for a combination of the benefits of traditional wood polymer composites with the lightness of a sandwich panel technology. WPC sandwich boards consist of wood polymer composite skins and usually low-density polymer core which leads to a very effective increase of panel's rigidity. WPC sandwich boards are used mainly in automotive, transportation and building applications, but furniture applications are also being developed.[22] New efficient and often in-line integrated production processes allow to produce stronger and stiffer WPC sandwich boards at lower costs compared to traditional plastic sheets or monolithic WPC panels.[23]
[
edit
]
[
edit
]
The environmental impact of WPCs is directly affected by the ratio of renewable to non-renewable materials. The commonly used petroleum-based polymers have a negative environmental impact because they rely on non-renewable raw materials and the non-biodegradability of plastics.[24]
[
edit
]
The types of plastic normally used in WPC formulations have higher fire hazard properties than wood alone, as plastic has a higher chemical heat content and can melt. The inclusion of plastic as a portion of the composite results in the potential for higher fire hazards in WPCs as compared with wood. Some code officials are becoming increasingly concerned with the fire performance of WPCs.[25][26]
[
edit
]
[
edit
]
While searching for the perfect vinyl flooring, you&#;ve probably come across the terms SPC and WPC. Wanting to learn the differences and compare SPC vs WPC vinyl? You&#;re in the right place.
Both options are known for being 100% waterproof. SPC is a newer product with a signature rigid core that is virtually indestructible. WPC has been the gold standard for vinyl flooring and features a waterproof core that&#;s comfortable as well as functional.
In this head-to-head showdown, discover the pros and cons of SPC and WPC, learn how they&#;re made, and even compare the cost, durability, and comfort.
Rigid core luxury vinyl flooring, also known as SPC flooring, is the most durable waterproof vinyl flooring option on the market. It has a similar construction to WPC, but it comes with an ultra-tough core, which is where the name &#;rigid core&#; comes from.
So what does SPC stand for? As it turns out, it stands for a couple of terms that are used interchangeably: stone plastic composite or stone polymer composite. It refers to the make-up of the core. The SPC core is what makes this flooring so incredibly durable, maintaining its form even over uneven subfloors.
That means you can install SPC rigid core luxury vinyl flooring on any level, over almost any existing (hard surface) subfloor and for any amount of traffic.
SHOP ALL SPC VINYL
Related content >> Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide
Layers of Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring
The general wisdom used to be that thicker vinyl flooring was better. But with rigid core vinyl, the thickness of your vinyl really doesn't matter.
Now, flooring manufacturers have created an ultra-thin, super-durable option. Rigid core luxury vinyl planks and tiles are specially manufactured to be ultra-thin, usually measuring no thicker than 6mm.
Just looking at the flooring, you might think it&#;s too flimsy or thin to hold up to anything, but just try giving it a bend. It's really tough to even make it budge.
So what is giving this thin plank such heavy-duty performance? It&#;s the layered construction. SPC rigid core luxury vinyl flooring is typically composed of four layers, but this can vary between manufacturers.
Let&#;s find out what you can expect from SPC layers:
Backing Layer: This is the solid foundation of your plank. Often, the backing will also come with a pre attached underlayment.
SPC Core: SPC flooring contains a solid, waterproof core that won&#;t ripple or swell no matter how much liquid you subject it to. This core is ultra-dense with no foaming agents like you'll find in traditional WPC flooring. It gives you slightly less softness underfoot, but it makes the flooring extra durable.
Printed Vinyl Layer: This layer features hyper-realistic photo imagery that makes the vinyl look so much like stone and wood.
Wear Layer: The wear layer is like the bodyguard of the plank; it protects your floor from wear and tear. In the case of wear layers, thicker still means better. SPC flooring often comes with thick wear layer options for heavy-duty protection.
Pros of Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring
: This is what makes both rigid core and WPC vinyl so popular. It's perfect for business owners, pets and water-prone areas.
: Rigid core is designed to be installed over any existing hard surface, including tile, even if it&#;s imperfect or not completely level.
: That SPC core makes this vinyl flooring the most durable vinyl flooring option out there.
fanmao contains other products and information you need, so please check it out.
: Top-end vinyl floors mimic natural materials better than ever before. SPC vinyl is the cream of the crop, so the visuals are usually incredibly convincing and beautiful.
: Keeping your floor looking fabulous is so simple. Occasionally vacuum and mop, and you&#;re all set.
: Rigid core luxury vinyl tiles and planks are easy to install yourself with most options interlocking and floating over your existing surface.
Cons of Rigid Core Luxury Vinyl Flooring
: Manufacturers designed rigid core vinyl to be sturdy, not comfortable. That's why it's so popular in commercial environments.
That stone composite core doesn&#;t hold a lot of heat, so you&#;re going to have some chilly floors when it&#;s cold out.
Related Content >> SPC Rigid Core Vinyl Buying Guide
What is WPC Vinyl Flooring?
WPC vinyl flooring is best known for being 100% waterproof. It is luxury vinyl flooring amped up a notch with a special waterproof core that makes it perfect for any room in the house.
WPC stands for wood-plastic composite, which makes up the waterproof core. The WPC core is enhanced with a foaming agent, making it slightly softer and more comfortable in addition to being completely waterproof.
This flooring is hugely popular amongst homeowners looking for the look of traditional hardwood without the maintenance. It is also one of the most popular flooring options for commercial spaces and businesses. It's beautiful and low maintenance. Plus, it&#;s easy to install, making it a dream come true for DIYers.
SHOP ALL WPC VINYL
Layers of WPC Flooring
WPC waterproof flooring is typically composed of four layers, but that can vary between manufacturers. In general, here&#;s what you can expect to find:
Backing layer: This is the bottom layer of your plank. It provides a sturdy base, and sometimes comes with an attached underlayment for added convenience.
WPC core: This is where the magic happens. WPC flooring contains a solid, waterproof WPC core. No matter how much water it encounters, it won&#;t swell, stain, or warp.
Printed vinyl layer: This layer features the gorgeous photo imagery of wood or stone that makes vinyl so popular as an alternative to natural materials.
Wear layer: This layer protects your floor&#;s surface from the wear and tear of everyday life. The thicker the wear layer, the better that protection!
Pros of WPC Vinyl Flooring
: From both the top and bottom, WPC vinyl is designed to withstand moisture and prevent water damage to your floor.
It's true, you could just get a wood or stone look tile or SPC plank and it would also be waterproof. But those options are
hard
. Standing on a hard floor all day isn't great for your joints or feet. WPC is more resilient and much more comfortable.
Vinyl is at the top of every trend right now. Luxury vinyl can come in those highly sought-after wood-look and stone-look styles that people can&#;t stop talking about.
If you like doing things on your own, you will love how easy it is to install WPC flooring. Many come with interlocking tongue-and-groove systems that can float over your existing floor.
With the occasional sweep and mop, you can easily keep your floor looking good as new.
Cons of WPC Vinyl Flooring
Compared to SPC rigid core vinyl, WPC isn&#;t quite as durable. That slightly softer core is more comfortable, but it&#;s also more likely to dent if you drop something heavy.
The cost of WPC is just a bit higher than SPC. However, as more and more companies develop their own WPC lines, we are starting to see WPC flooring prices drop and become more affordable. Also, it's still less expensive than solid hardwood with way less maintenance.
Related Content >> Vinyl Plank Pros and Cons
What is the difference between SPC and WPC?
So what is the difference between SPC Rigid Core and WPC waterproof vinyl? The answer to that lies in their different cores.
The waterproof core is the star of the show for both WPC flooring and rigid core flooring. A WPC core is made from wood plastic composite. The core contains an added foaming agent to increase resilience and comfort.
Meanwhile an SPC core is made from stone plastic composite. The stone is stiffer, sturdier and less resilient. The SPC has no foaming agent added, giving it a stronger, more robust core.
Because SPC is so durable, unbending, and virtually indestructible it&#;s often used for high-traffic commercial spaces. That rigid core also makes it less susceptible to dents, and that&#;s always a plus in areas with lots of heavy furniture or traffic.
If you were to compare these different options to different kinds of carpet, WPC flooring is like a plush, luxurious home carpet, while SPC rigid core is more like a commercial carpet. One is more comfortable, the other is more durable, and they both do their jobs really well.
So now that you know the basics of SPC and WPC, and you learned the differences between their core layers, it&#;s time for the moment you&#;ve been waiting for - the ultimate comparison of SPC and WPC vinyl.
Related Content >> Waterproof Flooring Red Wine Challenge
SPC vs WPC Flooring: The Showdown
Cost
WPC can be somewhat pricey when compared to other flooring options, but it also comes with a lot of benefits, like 100% water resistance. SPC vinyl is typically cheaper than WPC, plus it comes with those same features. That&#;s why rigid core SPC appeals to business owners so much!
Winner: SPC
Feel
SPC gets its extra durability from the rigid stone composite core, but that also makes it inflexible and cold. Since WPC has a core with more give, it&#;s more comfortable under your feet, and it retains some warmth, which is especially important in your home.
Winner: WPC
Use
WPC is ideal for basements, bathrooms, kitchens, and all grade levels of the home. WPC is often considered a better option for residential use since it's softer underfoot. SPC vinyl works in those areas, as well as in commercial spaces where there&#;s a ton of foot traffic.
Winner: SPC
Durability
While both SPC and WPC vinyl are incredibly durable, SPC edges out the competition. With that stone-plastic composite core, even the heaviest traffic or furniture won&#;t put a dent in the surface.
Winner: SPC
Moisture Resistance
&#;100% waterproof&#; means exactly that - SPC and WPC are both completely moisture-resistant. Thanks to their advanced cores and layered construction, no water is going to damage these planks, from the top or the bottom.
Winner: Tie!
DIY-Friendly
It&#;s easy to install SPC and WPC on your own, because they both feature a convenient, interlocking tongue-and-groove system. Just click them together and you&#;re done!
Winner: Tie!
Related Content >> Waterproof Vinyl Buying Guide
Which is Better: SPC Vinyl or WPC Vinyl?
In the end, there&#;s no way to say that either SPC or WPC flooring is better than the other. It all depends on where you plan to install it, and what you want out of your flooring.
Looking for something durable and more comfortable underfoot? Then WPC is right for you. Maybe you need flooring that can hold up to high traffic in a commercial space. If that&#;s the case, you need SPC vinyl.
Both options have a lot to love, and now that you know the differences, you&#;re certain to be happy with your choice. So, are you ready to shop?
ORDER FREE SAMPLES SHOP ALL WATERPROOF VINYL
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Luxury SPC Flooring.