The Benefits of Elastic Surface Co-extruded WPC Profiles

In the field of interior decoration, flooring materials such as wooden and composite wood floors are widely used due to their comfort underfoot. However, traditional wood floors are prone to expansion, deformation, warping, and cracking over time. Wood-plastic composite (WPC) flooring, on the other hand, is an innovative and environmentally friendly material that combines wood fibers, thermoplastic polymers, and additives. Through an extrusion molding process, WPC flooring offers the benefits of both wood and plastic, making it a versatile alternative to traditional materials.

Challenges in WPC Flooring

With the development of new applications, the demand for specialized flooring has also increased, such as flooring for basketball courts. These types of flooring require superior slip resistance and cushioning properties. However, conventional WPC flooring often suffers from poor elasticity, low adhesion, and susceptibility to aging, cracking, and wear. If the surface is too soft, it may offer excellent rebound properties but fail to meet the required hardness. This results in poor foot comfort, wear, and aging issues.

Solution: Elastic Surface Co-extruded WPC Profiles

To address these challenges, a new technology for elastic surface co-extruded WPC profiles has been developed. This profile features a dual-layer elastic structure that combines high resilience with wear resistance and antioxidant properties, significantly extending its service life. The profile consists of three layers: a core material layer, an elastic inner layer, and an elastic outer layer.

Composition of Elastic Surface Co-extruded WPC Profiles:

1. Core Material Layer

The core material serves as the foundational structure of the profile and provides strength and stability.

2. Elastic Inner Layer

The elastic inner layer is designed for high elasticity, enhancing the overall cushioning and rebound properties. The composition of the inner layer includes:

• Natural Rubber: 20–30 parts by weight
• Polypropylene Ether Polyol: 15–20 parts by weight
• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): 15–20 parts by weight
• Poplar Wood Powder: 20–25 parts by weight
• Coupling Agent: 3–8 parts by weight
• Compatibilizer: 2–5 parts by weight
• Plasticizer: 3–5 parts by weight
• Calcium Carbonate: 5–8 parts by weight

3. Elastic Outer Layer

The elastic outer layer is engineered to have a higher hardness than the inner layer, providing excellent wear resistance. It also maintains a balance between flexibility and durability. The composition of the outer layer includes:

• High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): 20–30 parts by weight
• Poplar Wood Powder: 20–25 parts by weight
• Elastic Material: 10–15 parts by weight
• Compatibilizer: 3–6 parts by weight
• Coupling Agent: 3–5 parts by weight
• Antioxidant: 2–3 parts by weight
• UV Stabilizer: 1–2 parts by weight
• Calcium Carbonate: 2–4 parts by weight

The thickness of the elastic outer layer is approximately half of the thickness of the elastic inner layer.

Functionality and Benefits

1. Dual-Layer Design:

The elastic inner layer is softer and highly elastic, providing the co-extruded WPC profile with exceptional rebound and cushioning properties. The outer layer, while harder than the inner layer, is still softer than the core material and offers superior wear resistance. This layered design ensures that the elastic inner layer absorbs impacts, preventing damage to the core material.

2. Enhanced Elasticity and Durability:

The use of natural rubber ensures excellent rebound and cushioning properties while maintaining shape even under repeated use. The polypropylene ether polyol adds additional elasticity, making the inner layer highly resilient. The outer layer, which includes HDPE and various additives such as antioxidants and UV stabilizers, provides durability and resistance to oxidation and UV damage, ensuring long-term performance.

3. Environmental Benefits:

The materials used are environmentally friendly, with natural rubber offering sustainable cushioning and the use of recycled or recyclable materials, such as HDPE, contributing to the product’s green credentials.

4. Improved Performance for Specialized Applications:

This technology meets the demanding requirements of specific flooring applications, such as basketball courts, where slip resistance, comfort, and durability are crucial. The elastic surface ensures better traction and comfort for athletes, reducing the risk of injury, while the wear-resistant outer layer guarantees the floor’s longevity.

Applications

Elastic surface co-extruded WPC profiles are ideal for use in:

• Sports Flooring: Especially for high-performance areas like basketball courts, where excellent rebound and slip resistance are required.
• Residential and Commercial Flooring: Providing comfortable and durable flooring solutions for both indoor and outdoor use.
• Specialized Decking and Cladding: Used for applications requiring a combination of elasticity, durability, and weather resistance.

This advanced WPC technology offers a promising solution to meet the growing demand for specialized, high-performance flooring while ensuring longevity and comfort in various environments.