Wood Polymer Composites (WPCs) are used in outdoor decking and marine structures because they have improved properties over wood or plastic alone. Some WPCs are generated using recyclable thermoplastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene. This research examines WPCs from such sources, which have been weathered naturally outdoors for a period of ten years. Samples were positioned both above and below ground level, and controls were stored for the same period of time. Many WPC research studies have evaluated samples that are weathered in lab-based accelerated weathering conditions, therefore, the durability in natural conditions is of particular interest.<br/><br/>Such studies have used Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological analysis, and many have included chemical analysis using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). We extend such analysis to also include Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), which offers higher imaging resolution than XPS, and can provide more detailed molecular information. This study provides insight into how the weathering process alters the ToF-SIMS spectra and images, and how this information compares to functional group analysis provided by XPS and FTIR. Furthermore, the thermal properties of the samples are investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Overall, this work aims to understand how the weathering process has impacted the structural and chemical integrity of naturally aged WPC samples, and how the various instrumental techniques provide complementary information for this purpose.

Multi-technique analysis of naturally aged wood polymer composites

254th National Meeting (2017)

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