Development and Characterization of PVC-Based Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) for Sustainable Building Applications

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) has emerged as an advanced engineering material due to its excellent mechanical properties, environmental sustainability, and long service life. This study investigates the development, manufacturing process, and performance characteristics of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)-based Wood Plastic Composite used in construction and furniture applications. The composite was prepared using PVC resin as the polymer matrix, wood flour/saw dust as the reinforcing material, calcium carbonate as a filler, and suitable additives including heat stabilizers, lubricants, processing aids, impact modifiers, and foaming agents. The manufacturing process was carried out using a conical twin-screw extrusion system under controlled processing conditions. The effects of raw material selection, formulation, moisture control, extrusion temperature, screw speed, and cooling conditions on product quality were evaluated. The developed WPC exhibited excellent dimensional stability, moisture resistance, termite resistance, weather resistance, and good mechanical strength, making it a suitable alternative to conventional wood. The study also highlights the environmental benefits of utilizing recycled materials and wood waste in WPC production. The results indicate that optimized processing parameters and proper formulation significantly improve product quality and manufacturing efficiency. PVC-based WPC has considerable potential for sustainable building materials due to its durability, recyclability, and low maintenance requirements.