Effects of weathering on color loss of natural fiber : thermoplastic composites

Abstract

The technology currently exists to manufacture natural fiber-thermoplastic composites from recycled materials. Development of commodity building products from these composites would open huge markets for waste-based materials in the United States. To date, the construction industry has only accepted wood-thermoplastic composite lumber and only for limited applications. In a little more than a decade, the use of composite decking has grown to about 4% of the exterior decking market. Even larger markets within the building industry could be developed, such as the roofing market. However, a lack of durability performance data and reluctance by homebuilders to use undemonstrated products has hampered market development. Because thermoplastics are polymeric in nature, they are susceptible to environmental stresses. These stresses include, but arenat limited to, thermal and moisture induced expansion and contraction, light (UV), and chemical agents such as organic solvents, ozone, acids, and bases. The objective of this ongoing study is to investigate the effects of weathering on natural fiber-thermoplastic composites intended for roofing applications. Because color fade is an important performance factor for roofing products, preliminary results are presented that indicate the effect of weathering on the color fade of selected composite formulations.

Citation

Falk, Robert H.; Felton, Colin.; Lundin, Thomas. 2000. Effects of weathering on color loss of natural fiber : thermoplastic composites. Proceedings for the third International Symposium on Natural Polymers and Composites-- ISNaPol/2000 and the Workshop on Progress in Production and Processing of Cellulosic Fibres and Natural Polymers : May 14-17, 2000 ... Sao Pedro, SP. Brazil. San Carlos, SP, Brazil : Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuaria, Embrapa Instrumentacao Agropecuaria, 2000.:p. 382-385 : ill.