Now wood plastic composite decking is mainly used for outdoor residential spaces. However, due to its remarkable durability, waterproof features, and resistance to pressure and bending, researchers have been studying its application in more fields.
In the ever-evolving world of flooring and decking materials, wood plastic composite decking emerges as an eco-friendly option, combining the best qualities of wood and plastic for a durable and versatile solution. This innovative decking material is crafted from a mixture of wood fibers, and thermoplastic polymers, creating a high-tech green material that outperforms traditional wood and plastic in various applications.
Sports Flooring: Specialized Applications at Basketball Court
At basketball courts, the conventional use is wood flooring. While wood flooring offers elasticity and comfort, it comes with issues like expansion, warping, and cracking and demands frequent maintenance like waxing and painting. In contrast, wood plastic decking, despite previous limitations in elasticity and aging, is gaining attention for its low maintenance and enhanced durability. This has prompted researchers to delve into the research of wood plastic composite with elastic surfaces.
Elastic Plastic Wood Decking Development
Researchers have been dedicated to improving wood plastic profiles, particularly those used in sports flooring. The innovative development of double elastic layer designs has yielded promising results. By incorporating natural rubber and propylene oxide, these profiles achieve high resilience, wear resistance, and oxidation resistance, significantly extending their service life.
Triple-Layer Structure
Resilient surface co-extruded plastic wood profiles feature three layers: the core material layer, the elastic inner layer, and the elastic surface layer. The innovative design ensures optimal performance.
- Core Material Layer: The central layer provides structural integrity and strength, serving as the foundation for the flooring.
- Elastic Inner Layer: Positioned above the core, this layer adds a soft and highly elastic component, enhancing overall elasticity.
- Elastic Surface Layer: The top layer, approximately half the thickness of the elastic inner layer, strikes a balance between hardness and resilience. It protects the core material from damage, offering wear resistance and effective impact buffering.
Material Enhancements
The integration of natural rubber and poly(polypropylene ether) polyol ensures the elasticity of the inner layer. Natural rubber provides resilience and strong buffering, while poly(polypropylene ether) polyol contributes elasticity and environmental friendliness due to its high thermal stability.
UV Protection and Longevity
To safeguard against environmental elements, the elastic surface layer incorporates UV-resistant materials, protecting the flooring from the damaging effects of sunlight. This additional layer ensures longevity and prevents wear and tear caused by ultraviolet rays.
Elastic wood plastic decking presents a compelling solution for modern flooring and decking needs. Its blend of comfort, durability, and adaptability makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from everyday living spaces to specialized environments like sports flooring. As innovation continues, these eco-friendly materials are likely to play an increasingly prominent role in the future of flooring.
