Revisión de las propiedades mecánicas de los Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) y sus beneficios a nivel ambiental.

Abstract

This review article provides a detailed analysis of the mechanical properties of WPCs (Wood-Plastic Composites) and their environmental benefits. Firstly, it highlights the importance of climate change and mentions carbon dioxide and methane emissions as key environmental pollutants. Deforestation and the need to find sustainable alternatives to conventional wood are addressed, presenting two issues that can be addressed through WPCs. The methodology used is descriptive qualitative documentary research, reviewing scientific documents on the mechanical properties of WPCs, utilizing tools like Scopus, Tree of Science, and Google Scholar to gather relevant information. Regarding the results, it is observed that WPCs exhibit impact resistance, hardness, and modulus of elasticity slightly comparable to wood, but with lower performance in tensile and compressive strength. The durability of WPC against moisture, environmental changes, and pests is emphasized, along with its versatility in outdoor applications. Additionally, WPCs have a lower environmental impact than natural wood or plastic, making them a more sustainable option for operations that meet their mechanical properties described in this document, exemplifying some of their potential uses. A brief overview of the WPC market, its performance, uses, and trends is then provided. In conclusion, it is emphasized that WPCs are a promising alternative due to their strength, durability, and lower environmental impact. Their potential to reduce deforestation and mitigate climate change by offering a more ecological option compared to conventional materials is highlighted. The research supports the use of WPCs as an innovative and sustainable solution in the construction and design materials industry.