Feasibility of Using Foamed Styrene Maleic Anhydride (SMA) Co-polymer in Wood Based Composites

Abstract

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) have often been used in consumer applications, automotive industry and exterior construction. WPCs consist mostly of wood and thermoplastic polymer. WPCs can have superior outdoor durability and much lower maintenance costs than regular wood. WPCs can be used instead of wood. Styrene maleic anhydride (SMA) is used in plastic composites for the automotive industry and also in engineering applications. SMA wood composites, as one of the WPCs using wood fibers as reinforcing fillers, produces composites with mechanical properties that are stiffer and stronger than the neat polymer. This paper evaluates the feasibility of using foamed SMA copolymer composites in wood applications. Although it is currently used in the automotive industry and construction industry, this copolymer presents interesting opportunities for wood applications.