KNOWLEDGE REFERENCE
Glossary
Explore the published reference collection.
- Cap layer
- An outer layer used to modify the surface or protection of a composite core.
- Co-extrusion
- Forming multiple material layers together in an extrusion process.
- Compound
- A prepared mixture of polymer, fibre or filler, and selected additives.
- Coupling agent
- An additive used to improve the interaction between fibre and polymer.
- Creep
- Time-dependent deformation under sustained load.
- Extrusion
- A process that forms material by passing it through a shaped die.
- Filler
- A dispersed material added to modify properties, processing or cost.
- HDPE
- High-density polyethylene, a thermoplastic used in some composite formulations.
- Matrix
- The continuous material phase surrounding the fibre or filler.
- Moisture uptake
- Absorption of water under specified conditions.
- Natural fibre
- A fibre of natural origin; in this journal, usually a plant-derived fibre such as flax, hemp or wood fibre.
- NFC
- Natural fibre composite. In this reference, a composite containing plant-derived fibres or particles within a matrix.
- PP
- Polypropylene, another thermoplastic matrix used with natural fibres.
- Product specification
- A document setting product requirements within a stated scope.
- PVC
- Polyvinyl chloride, a polymer used in some WPC systems. WPC does not automatically mean PVC-free.
- Recyclability
- The potential to collect and process a material into a useful new material or product; actual local routes must be verified.
- Recycled content
- The proportion of recycled material in a product, stated using a defined basis.
- Reinforcement
- A component introduced to improve selected mechanical properties.
- Service life
- The period during which a product meets requirements in its actual conditions of use.
- Test method
- A defined procedure for measuring or assessing a property.
- Thermoplastic
- A polymer that can soften when heated and harden on cooling.
- Thermoset
- A polymer system that forms a crosslinked structure during curing and cannot simply be remelted like a thermoplastic.
- Traceability
- The ability to connect a product or batch to source, manufacturing and quality records.
- Weathering
- Changes caused by environmental exposure, such as sunlight, moisture and temperature.
- Wood flour
- Finely divided wood particles used in composite formulations.
- WPC
- Wood–plastic composite: a material combining wood flour or fibres with a polymer matrix.