Özet:

Wood Polymer Composites (WPC) is the general name of composites formed by combining thermoplastic matrix and cellulose based reinforcement/filler. They are especially preferred as exterior cladding, outdoor flooring, fence, garden furniture. WPCs have advantages over wood like as higher dimensional stability, resistance to fungi and insects and low maintenance requirements during life-time-use. However, the degradation of these materials in weather conditions is a major disadvantage. Compared to polymer-based composites, the degradation for in outdoor weather conditions is generally lower. Polymeric materials are subject to degradation by physical, chemical and biological processes or a combination of these under the influence of environmental factors. Factors such as temperature (thermal degradation), air (oxidative degradation), moisture (hydrolytic degradation), microorganisms (biodegradation), light (photodegradation), high-energy radiation (UV, irradiation), chemical agents (corrosion) and mechanical forces can cause irreversible changes in material structure. In order to determine the effects of these factors, changes in the polymer structure are determined by natural and artificial aging. This literature review presents a detailed summary and analysis of the studies carried out on WPC weathering properties.

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