WSURF Case 918
Surface Treatments for Improving the Adhesion Properties of Wood Plastic Composite Materials
With the growing utilization of wood fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymer composites (WPCs) in exterior applications, and the durability issues associated with these materials, paints and coatings are being considered as a means to improving their resistance to weathering. Recent studies have therefore focused on the surface and adhesion characteristics of WPCs; however, low adhesion levels have been repeatedly reported with coatings and adhesives. Poor adhesion has been attributed to the concentration of polyolefin on the surface which results in hydrophobic, low surface energy substrates.
WSU researchers have developed processes for improving the adhesion properties of wood plastic composites. These surface activation methods dramatically improve the adhesion of coatings to WPCs. For instance, the adhesion of a water-based acrylic coating to WPCs, as measured by a 180° peel test, was shown to improve by up to 170% following treatments with this technology.
Applications
Improved adhesion for coating and/or painting of wood plastic composites.
IP Status
This technology is patent-pending and available for licensing.
For more information about this technology please contact WSURF:
1610 NE Eastgate Blvd, Suite 650
Pullman, WA 99164
Phone: (509) 335-5526
Fax: (509) 335-7237
wsurf@wsu.edu
