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WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITE(WPC) APLICATIONS IN INDOOR FURNITURE

SECTOR

Conference Paper · October 2016

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 WOOD PLASTIC COMPOSITE(WPC) APLICATIONS IN INDOOR FURNITURE
SECTOR
Orhan KELLECİ 1*, Soner AKSU 1, Deniz AYDEMİR 1, Abdullah İSTEK 1, Süheyla Esin KÖKSAL1

1Forest İndustry Engineering/Forest Faculty, Bartın University/74000, Bartın, Turkey

orhanemre125@hotmail.com, soneraksu0415@hotmail.com, denizaydemir@bartin.edu.tr, aistek@bartin.edu.tr,

s.esin.s@hotmail.com

*Corresponding author

Abstract
Wood is an organic material which can be used widely. It is a biodegradable material due to its organic structure and it has superior
properties such as acoustic, electric, mechanic, biologic properties etc. but technological innovations and environmental concerns leads
to wood sector towards composite materials. Nowadays many composite materials are widely used to various application areas. One of
the composite materials is wood plastic composite (WPC). Various polymer matrixes and wood fine dust mixed with extruders and WPC
can be produced. Various ratios for both matrixes and fillers can be selected according to using field. WPC can be used in many fields such
as contraction, cladding, automotive, aircraft, marina, outdoor and indoor furniture etc. WPC sector grows in the world marked
especially America and new trend is furniture. In this study; WPC applications in the indoor furniture were reviewed, evaluated the
applications in the today’s market. The indoor furniture is new sector for WPC and it must be utilized from its superior properties such
as moisture stability, mechanical and physical stability.
Keywords: Wood plastic composites, WPCs, Furniture, Wood, Indoor furniture applications.

İÇ MEKAN MOBİLYA ENDÜSTRİSİNDE ODUN PLASTİK KOMPOZİT

UYGULAMALARI
Özet

Ahşap yaygın olarak kullanılan organik bir malzemedir. Ahşap organik yapısı itibari ile biyobozunur bir malzemedir ve bu özelliği ile diğer yapı
malzemelerine göre akustik, elektrik, mekanik, biyolojik vb. gibi üstün özelliklere sahiptir. Teknoloji alanında yaşanan gelişmeler ve oluşan çevresel
kaygılar ahşap sektörünü de kompozit malzemeye doğru yönlendirmiştir. Günümüzde kompozit malzemeler birçok sektör tarafından yaygın olarak
kullanılmaktadır. Bu kompozit malzemelerden biriside Odun Plastik Kompozit’tir (WPC). Çeşitli termoplastikler ve odun unu karıştırılarak Extruder’de
WPC üretimi yapılabilir. Değişik termoplast ve odun unu kullanım oranı değişimi kullanım yerine göre değişik özellikler kazandırır. WPC otomotiv, dış
cephe kaplama, havacılık, denizcilik, dış mekan ve iç mekan mobilya gibi pek çok alan tarafından kullanılmaktadır. WPC küresel pazarda büyümektedir
ve yeni trend mobilya üzerinedir. Bu çalışmada WPC iç mekan uygulamalarındaki değerlendirilmesi yapılmıştır. Mobilya sektörü tüketim pazarında ana
sektörlerinden birisidir ve WPC ile üretilen kabinler, masa, gardolap, sandalye gibi yeni uygulamalarla birlikte büyümeye devam etmektedir. Bu
çalışmayla WPC’nin iç mekan mobilya uygulamalarındaki yeri ve günümüzdeki dünya pazarındaki durumu orta konmuştur. Odun Plastik sektörü yeni
bir sektördür ve rutubete dayanıklılığı, üstün mekanik ve fiziksel özellikleri itibari ile araştırılması gereken bir sektördür. Bu üstün özellikleri mobilya
üretiminde çalışmada derlenmiştir.
Anahtar Kelimeler: Odun Plastik, Odun Kompozit, Mobilya

1 Introduction
Wood is one of the most prevalent construction materials in
global market. But it has some drawbacks due to its organic
structure according to steel or ceramic-concrete etc. Thus,
many studies deal with its mechanic and physical properties for
increasing them. Nowadays polymer composites are widely
used to meet customer demand at variety sector [1]. Different
fillers can be used as a reinforcement agent in matrix allows to
obtain several advantages. When a filler is used in a matrix, they
can be increased the mechanical and physical properties of the
matrix. In reinforcement of polymer matrixes, the fillers such as
calcium carbonate, glass fibers, talc, kaolin, mica, wollastonite,
silica, graphite, synthetic fillers (e.g. PET- or PVA-based fibers),
high-performance fibers (carbon, aramidic, etc.) are widely
310
benefited [2]. But, when two and more different particle used
in matrix, the recycle of plastics get to harder [3], [26]. Wood
plastic composite (WPC) sector have been grown with
innovative products having aesthetic properties for furniture
applications [4].
2 Material and Method
2.1 What is furniture?
Furniture industry has a distinguished position in
manufacturing field due to both its raw material that is using in
process and its variety of materials range, its wealthy of
product range and its widely using and utility field. Furniture
product has included many good groups which are durable and
portable like that armchairs, sofas, beds, chairs, coffee table,
and the table, wardrobe, dresser, bookcase and shelves. They
 Orhan KELLECİ, Soner AKSU, Deniz AYDEMİR, Abdullah İSTEK, Süheyla Esin KÖKSAL
IFC 2016 International Furniture Congress 13-15 October 2016

can be produced with various raw materials such as wood and 2.4 What is Wood Plastic Composite (WPC)
up to wooden panel, metals, plastics, textiles, leather, glass,
Wood plastic composite (WPC) is a polymer composite mixed
steel and aluminum. Lot of furniture products can be used in
with thermoset or termoplast plastics and wood under high
indoor applications such as home, office, shop, school or
hospital and outdoor purpose for example; benches, chairs or temperature. İt was invented in America US early 1900s. WPC
firstly is called Bakelite was used first as a gear shift knop for
garden swing [5].
Rolls Royce in 1916 [7]. Bakelite is made of thermoset plastic
2.2 Furniture in the word such as formaldehyde. Termoplast was started widely to use
with wood in recent years in America and WPC industry has
Furniture industry is a conventional and widely known
experienced tremendous growth [8].
manufacturing field in the global industry and so continue the
its developing and expanding. It has main and sub-industry
fields achieved 350 billion dollar in 2008, while this value is 350
billion dollar in 2004. After the global crisis, producing values
decreased up to 341 billion dollar in 2010 and it again
increased to 446 billion dollar in 2013. Most important issue in
the furniture manufacturing sector is consumption in global
market. Consumption shows a raising trend as gradually.
Consumption value is 273 billion dollar in 2004 and then
increased 386 billion dollar in 2008 but it decreased to 340
billion dollar in 2009 due to global economic crisis. In the later
years, consumption spending increased up to 440 billion dollar
gradually [6].
2.3 Wood, metal, polymer material applications in the
Figure 8. WPC applications examples [9].
furniture.
World trade has been a global market from 19. YY to up to now. Especially WPC was used as outdoor terraces in North America.
The effect of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century have It was showed as an example product in figure 1. It is preferred
affected the furniture design. Growing rich urban population due to its superior properties because it has not got defect that
demanded from furniture industry cheap models, compact is generally belong wood such as rot, mold, insect infestation,
piece furniture and comfortable ones. Machinery revolution has discoloration, shrinkage, twisting, inequality, chips, the
moved the manufacturing to new fields. M.Thonet negative impact of the sun, frost, water, etc. but it can be natural
accomplishes to curve the wood thanks to steam and started to wood appearance [10]. Although WPC was used firstly in North
use composite wood materials. Thonet is named the leader of America nowadays it is used prevalently in China and they have
the furniture industry because his machinery innovation and more economic advantage according to America that is market
series. Furniture design in the 20th century started in a new era capacity [11].
by metal pipes with new materials such as plastic. In 1940s,
glass supported with plastics were started to use in chair
manufacturing and after this date, compact and series
production had been began thanks to Charles Eames and Eero
Saarinen. Thus; fluency of line design has been important in the
furniture design. 20th century materials had superior
properties than conventionally according to former. Most
distinguished properties are advanced physical properties,
sensible touch conform, advanced structural properties,
decorative feature, a specified vision, and complicated
structure in itself.
Wood had been used in prehistoric times and has been used in
Figure 2. WPC applications examples [9].
since this time. Nowadays wood is used in many sector and it is
a one of the most preferred materials. Composite products were
Wood can be different quality depending on its variety but this
used to make furniture so that it could be strong and other
is not substantially important for WPC because of polymer
methods were started to conduct that is studying on its
species is more important according to wood species. Polymer
homogeneities and increasing physical stability. Especially in
variety can directly affect the WPC properties because of they
the Second World War, studies about the wood drying was did
have got different melting point and density [10]. Plastic sector
and moisture of wood could be decreased the wished level by
can be thought a service sector among the construction sectors
the drying machine. The lamination of wood pieces was used
such as steel, cement and wood. In fact wood is earliest building
widely in 19th century and it was advanced its feature
material according to others. Plastic sector has usually used
concerned mechanically and physically. Laminated wood
talc, calcium carbonate, mica and glass or carbon fiber have
shown superior feature according to native wood due to its
been used 2,5 billion kg annually to increase its performance
properties that is stability, low cost, more cheaper, pure surface
[12]. Plastic industry reluctant to use wood as a filler due to it
and sufficient to continue process etc. polymer based materials
can absorb moisture and has low density. Many firms approach
widely were used in furniture sector with different target so
skeptically to use wood in termoplasts due to lack of knowledge
that structure material, final product, adhesive, deck and
about the wood thermal and moisture properties. Early time
accessories etc.
WPC product variety has limited only several different product

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 Orhan KELLECİ, Soner AKSU, Deniz AYDEMİR, Abdullah İSTEK, Süheyla Esin KÖKSAL
IFC 2016 International Furniture Congress 13-15 October 2016

could be manufacturing for outdoor condition for example
cladding and siding [13]. One of the prevalent plastic composite
product was given in figure 2. WPC need the dispersant agent
while processing and developing in the agent for wood and
plastic lead to growth in WPC industry. WPC is firstly used in
America as automotive part and then Trex firm added 50%
wood dust in polyethylene then manufacture WPC had been
used as deck board, landscape timber, picnic table and
industrial flooring [13]. Strandex Corporation developed WPC
technology and they used high wood fiber composites made
without milling and can be produce final shapes.
Figure 3. WPC applications examples [14].
Then Andersen Corporation in Minnesota began to produce
French door and windows profile from WPC further they
continued to develop their technology on WPC. In U.S several
companies began to produce WPC pellets for companies who
has produced Pellets are illustrated in figure 3. WPC final
product in 1996 [8].
First international WPC conference was held in Madison in
1991. Conference was met representatives from plastic and
wood industry then a similar conference was held in Toronto
named Progress in wood Fibre-Plastic Composites and they
continued annually. WPC sector promisingly raised later years
eventually attract the plastic sector attention and in December
2000 WPC conference was held by Plastic Technology Magazine
and Polymer Process Commutations. Although WPC industry is
a small part of wood industry it made significant achievement
recently. Many firm started to try interesting plastic materials
and wood materials in different ratio and so developed their
product range.
2.5 WPC materials and Processing
Wood is not stable above 200°C and so it does not allow to use
all termoplast for WPC. Thus WPC industry use usually
Polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC etc. it can be use as virgin or
waste plastic. These termoplasts are sufficient for wood due to
their inherent properties and low cost. Some firms may use
small amount of thermoset resin such as phenol formaldehyde
are sometimes used in composites with a high wood content
[15].
2.6 Wooden raw material and demand
When we analyzed furniture sector in Turkey as its competition
power concerned international level some things will be
important that are skilled labor, finance and raw materials.
Turkey has limited wood source and this is a main problem
because of that able to compete other nation furniture firms.
Wood that is raw material for furniture sector in turkey is
imported nearly 75% percent and this increase the price then
we cannot compete among the international firm [16], [17].
Turkey is a developing country and he has a young populations
and due to this reason furniture demand volume increases in
Turkey. Especially after the raising in construction industry
furniture demand raised same time [17], [18]. Out of Turkey if
we want to increase the furniture sales we same time must
increase the production model variety [19].
3 Result and Discussion
3.1 WPC indoor furniture samples
Wood plastic composite was started to use in indoor furniture
sector for example kitchen cabinet, wardrobe, door frame,
window frame, chair, table, office furniture etc. Coincide the
online market growing firms get an opportunity for marketing
their WPC furniture products. By the way growing in the WPC
indoor furniture market firms developed their products and
extended worldwide. Some indoor furniture samples
mentioned down.
3.2 Wood Plastic Composite wardrobe sliding door
Many company have vast industry experience about WPC
furniture in India, they are offering the attractive collection
of WPC (Wooden Plastic Composite) Wardrobe that is highly
demanded in the market. Their offered wardrobe sliding doors
are exactly designed by well professionals using the top quality
WPC boards and contemporary technology. These wardrobe
sliding doors are available in several designs, sizes and other
specifications.
Figure 4. Wpc wardrobe sliding door [20]
Wpc sliding door has flawless design, low maintenance cost and
visual appealing. It was given as an example in figure 4.
3.3 WPC Modular kitchen
Many firms in the word are highly acknowledged in the market
for presenting a wide collection of premium quality WPC
Modular Kitchen that is well-known in the market. In order to
design these kitchens, firms have sourced improved grade
material from the famous vendors of the market. These
kitchens find their broad applications in homes where space is
less. People preferred to buy offered kitchens in several
designs. An example moduler kitchen was given in figure 7.
Firms manufacture and install complete modular kitchens
made with solid PVC WPC boards. An unbeatable combination
with polymer composite makes kitchens 100% water proof,
100% termite proof, 100% borer proof and 100% insect free.
It remains clean always. Client can clean it with cleaning spray
available in the market and just wipe surfaces off. This kitchen
is 100% hygienic and we recommend them for Hospital
furniture.

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 Orhan KELLECİ, Soner AKSU, Deniz AYDEMİR, Abdullah İSTEK, Süheyla Esin KÖKSAL
IFC 2016 International Furniture Congress 13-15 October 2016
Figure 7. WPC modular kitchen [21]
3.4 WPC Wood Plastic Composite Wardrobes
Firms which manufacture WPC furniture have skill and
experience in the market, they are involved in manufacturing,
supplying and distributing a broad array of Wpc Wood Plastic
Composite Wardrobes and their offered array is highly
acknowledged in the market for their optimum quality, perfect
finish, rugged construction and durability. Wpc wardrobes
have 100% waterproof and fire retardant, anti-ultraviolet, anti-
decay, 100% recyclable, weather resistant, environment
friendly, anti-corrosion, total termite resistant good
compressive strength and non-toxic material properties
[22].an example wardrobe was given in figure 5.
Figure 5. WPC wood plastic composite wardrobe [23].
3.5 Home bookshelves WPC board
Besides of produce to indoor furniture these offered products
are highly recognized for their used for numerous purposes.
Offered in different sizes, designs and shapes as per space
availability, these products are extensively applauded for their
optimal strength, termite resistance and durable life. An
example bookshelf was given in figure 6.
Figure 6. Home bookshelves WPC board [24]
313
3.6 Wpc door
Wpc door is manufactured by experienced firms using cutting
edge technology. To suit with various establishments interior
decoration, this door is available in a plethora of dimensions
and enchanting designs as per the requirements of customers.
Apart from this, customers can avail this door Reasonable price
at market. An example wpc door was given in figure 8.
Figure 8. Wpc door [25]
Wpc door has highest surface rigidity and sandwich
construction never allows any warpage or bending of the
structure. This door is best for internal and bathroom doors
applications.
4 Conclusion
Wood plastic composites (WPC) are preferred due to its
superior properties according to its similar. It can be used many
circumstances and more difficult area so that requirements to
water proof. Its advantages are high mechanic and physical
properties are mentioned above. Besides its superior
properties it has some disadvantages are less produce speed,
process difficulties and molding problems.
Already it has been used in outdoor circumstances it is a new
and innovative product for indoor furniture sector. Customer
demand is high for wpc indoor furniture especially Asia
continent and it has growing market for rest of the world.
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