Functional wood-plastic composites: A review of research progress on flame retardancy, weather resistance and antimicrobial properties

Abstract

Wood-plastic composites (WPC) have attracted a lot of academic attention due to their excellent mechanical properties and environmental friendliness. WPC is emerging as a sustainable and high-performing material consisting of wood fibers reinforced with a plastic matrix that has applications in a variety of industries, including construction. However, WPC still has some deficiencies, such as flame retardancy, aging resistance, and antimicrobial properties, which need to be further improved in some demanding industries. The wood fibers in WPC are flammable and have poor aging resistance, and the poor compatibility in the multiphase structure of WPC can lead to fungal or bacterial attack, which can degrade and ultimately damage its mechanical properties, so it is important to improve its flame retardancy, aging resistance, and antimicrobial properties to prolong its life. Therefore, it is crucial to improve its flame retardancy, aging resistance and antimicrobial properties to extend its outdoor service life. In this paper, the commonly used flame retardants, anti-aging agents and antimicrobial agents for WPC and their mechanisms of action are reviewed.