What is composite wood?

Composite construction materials have become increasingly popular. This is especially true of planks and sheets made of a blend of components, resulting in an appearance that is very similar to that of real wood. This is why we commonly refer to this new material as “composite wood.”

Composite wood’s durability, sturdiness and ease of maintenance make it an ideal material for use in balconies, decks, patios, fences and more. It may also contain recycled materials, as is the case of the Green Bay Decking products we sell at Camémat. But what exactly is composite wood?

Composite wood: the perfect fit

Basically, a composite material is a mixture of at least two different materials that are bonded or intermingled, but not fused together. The respective properties of the materials complement each other in such a way as to produce a new material that, despite being heterogeneous, is nevertheless enhanced. One of the primary materials serves as a matrix, while the other serves as reinforcement. The matrix plays the role of a bonding agent, which gives the composite its form. It provides support (responsible for the capabilities of the whole) in the desired position, reinforcing and protecting it.

In the case of composite wood, several different blends of materials are possible. The matrix usually consists of a plastic resin. Some manufacturers use PVC, which we know is a finished product with a honeycomb structure containing very few natural fibers (reinforcement). Others use polypropylene (PP). On the other hand, the composite wood Green Bay Decking manufactures contains polyethylene (PE), a non-toxic thermoplastic polymer. PE produces planks and panels that are rich in natural materials.

In general, plant fibers (wood, flax, hemp, etc.), which are integrated in the matrix, provide reinforcement. The products Camémat distributes consist of rice hulls and an inert cellulose-based granular carrier called Biodac, which is a post-consumer waste material from the paper industry. Color pigments (for esthetic appeal) and additives (for stability and rot resistance) are also added.

The winning formula of the composite available at Camémat 

The quality and concentration of each ingredient varies from one manufacturer to another and determines the type and performance of the resulting composite wood. The products from Green Bay Decking offer numerous advantages: they’re inert, their appearance doesn’t change over time, they’re environmentally friendly and they come with a lifetime guarantee.