HOLZ-PVC-KOMPOSITE, EINE EXZELLENTE TECHNISCHE LOSUNG, ABER AUCH EINE NACHHALTIGE?

摘要

Beside WPCs based on polyolefins, PVC-based WPCs are increasing in market share in Europe. The wood content varies from between 50% and 70% in the case of PVC, which is stabilised with Lead-and Tin-free alternatives. PVC-based WPCs have similar mechanical performances to polyolefin-based WPCs, and are also more cost-competitive. They are also unrivalled in combustion behaviour due to the quenching effect of the Chlorine content. However, controversy has surrounded PVC in the past. Consequently, the PVC industry has and continues to invest strongly in improving the sustainability of the polymer. PVC is now one of the best extensively investigated resins regarding its sustainability credentials. Experts from NGOs, including for example 'The Natural Step', have confirmed that PVC has strong potential to become a fully sustainable polymer. But what does this mean for wood-PVC compounds? This paper demonstrates that PVC-based WPCs also possess a high sustainability potential. It explores the gaps between current WPCs and the goal of a fully sustainable wood-PVC compound, and how they can be overcome.