WPC flooring is a new, environmentally friendly wood-plastic composite material. During production, the raw materials are heated by friction and melted, then extruded to form the wood-plastic flooring.
WPC is a high-tech, green, and environmentally friendly material primarily made from SPP rock powder, wood fiber, and thermoplastic resin. After a uniform mixture, it’s heated and extruded through a mold. It combines the properties and characteristics of both wood and resin. This truly cutting-edge flooring technology is a new, environmentally friendly, high-tech alternative to wood and ceramic tile. It’s a truly formaldehyde-free, environmentally friendly, waterproof, silent, and resilient flooring!
An unexpected invention of the atomic age
In 1960, American scientists Kanega and Karpov unexpectedly made history in their laboratory.
Using gamma-ray radiation, they injected liquid olefin monomers into the pores of wood, initiating a polymerization reaction. They created the first high-performance wood-polymer composite (WPC).
This technology was designated a key project for the “Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy” by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and was recognized as one of the “Ten Greatest Scientific Achievements of the World” in 1964.
Technology Commercialization Process
In 1966, the Bowling division of AMF Corporation in the United States built the world’s first WPC production line, using a catalytic heating method to process methyl methacrylate (MMA). Its products were primarily targeted at the high-end pool cue market.
In 1968, ARCO Chemical Company launched WPC flooring produced using gamma radiation. Its wear resistance was 8-10 times that of ordinary flooring and it could resist cigarette burns. It quickly gained popularity in public places such as airports and dance halls.
In the 1970s, Shanghai University of Science and Technology and Nanjing Forestry University in China conducted WPC research and successfully replaced imported rosewood with basswood-based WPC for erhu poles and pipa backs. Monthly production reached 10,000 pieces (production was halted in 1979 due to poor market demand).
In the 2000s, due to the high cost of chemical raw materials and the difficulty of process control, China was unable to achieve large-scale production until the early 2000s, entering a period of technological bottleneck.
In 2005, a new generation of WPC flooring was born in Cologne, Germany. It utilizes a hot-pressing process that combines wood fibers with polymer nanomaterials, completely eliminating formaldehyde-containing adhesives.
2011-Present
This product has become popular in Europe and the United States. Following its introduction, many Chinese companies launched the “Queen’s Road” series, featuring “glueless manufacturing” and simultaneous wood grain lamination technology, achieving a wear resistance exceeding 10,000 revolutions.
Challenges and Future
Currently, WPC faces strong competition from SPC, primarily due to its lower density, resulting in poor indentation resistance, and higher cost (approximately 50% of SPC’s price). Future development focuses include:
Foaming agent improvements: Improving foot comfort and sound absorption
Compound reinforcement technologies: For example, adding glass fiber to increase rigidity
Recycling technologies: Reaching a wood fiber recycling rate exceeding 90%
Like a fusion of the resilience of trees and the enduring power of plastic, the story of WPC epitomizes humanity’s pursuit of a balance between nature and technology. Stepping onto the balcony’s wooden plank walkway, the warm touch reflects 60 years of nuclear laboratory heritage.
About Us
As a pioneer in the extruder field, Wuxi Boyu Plastic Machinery Co.,Ltd. launched its first WPC production line in 2010, entering the flooring equipment manufacturing industry. Boyu’s equipment is environmentally friendly, and producing formaldehyde-free, heavy metal-free, and recyclable floor.
With over 20 years of extensive extrusion experience and advanced extrusion technology, Boyu has repeatedly set trends in the flooring industry. Our commitment to continuous research and development and the pursuit of perfection has established us as a technology leader and innovator. Creating sustainable value is the constant pursuit to all of us!