Composites

The Forest Products Laboratory works to conserve and extend our Nation's forest resources. We advance healthy forests and forest-based economies through researching and promoting the efficient, sustainable use of wood.

Forest Products Laboratory - USDA Forest Service shield made from composite wood. As an integral part of the Forest Products Laboratory mission, we improve the long-term sustainability of our Nation's forests by creating valuable composite products from biobased materials. Composites encourage the use of undervalued materials and improve the economics of forest restoration projects because they can be made from a variety of materials:

• fiber,
• particles,
• or flakes from small trees,

especially those from invasive species and overgrown forests at risk of wildfire; post-industrial and post-consumer wood wastes; and other natural biofibers, such as wheat straw, corn straw, and even chicken feathers.

Composites research has a long history at Forest Products Laboratory, and wood composite technologies have been used for decades to create building and home furnishing products. Composites are used for a number of structural and nonstructural applications including 

• interior paneling, 
• sheathing,
• furniture, and
• support structures in many different types of buildings.

Wood-based composites represent more than 40% of the total materials used in residential construction in North America, making them the largest single material type used in residential construction. Wood-based composites have become so widely used because they are readily available, light, strong, easily worked, and cost-effective.

Nonetheless, to expand into other markets such as non-residential and commercial construction and consumer goods, today's composites need to achieve enhanced performance, serviceability, durability, and reliability.

How Does it Apply?

More recently, new innovative biobased composite products based on natural fibers, such as agricultural fibers or residues, or on wood-natural fiber hybrids, have also come on the market and now compete directly with traditional wood composites. Other composites, such as wood- or natural fiber-plastic composites, have recently become popular for decking, siding, roofing, fenestration, and millwork. The use of new, innovative technologies in the macro-, micro-, and nanoscale will create still other opportunities in entirely new areas of application.

Advanced engineered biocomposites are needed to meet the diverse needs of users for high-performance and commodity products that also increase the health and sustainability of forests. This next generation of engineered biocomposites must provide materials and products that far exceed current expectations (such as lower cost, greater adaptability and reliability, lower maintenance), open new markets (such as commercial construction, automotive, aerospace), and reduce environment impacts.

Forest Products Laboratory has the expertise and facilities to meet the challenges of the evolving biobased composites sector. With our multidisciplinary approach and various laboratories, our scientists can collaboratively expand the current level of performance of our advanced engineered composite products and explore entirely new opportunities.