plasti wood instead of wood that rots?

[benjh1028]

Re: plasti wood instead of wood that rots?

i think i am going to find the source and brand name for the plaswood that is used here on a park bench.
It's VERY tough.
Like i mean bomb proof, with no bending under weight, even a little.
If i can find the maker i will ask to test the same product at half the thickness to see if it bends.

Can't imagine it will have as complex a grain as wood... which is wood's saviour but they may have had a play with multi-directional plastic layers.

Just what we need... Carbon Fibre street furniture!

Look up Fiberforce plastic lumber.

Ben

 

[ondarvr]

Re: plasti wood instead of wood that rots?

Look up Fiberforce plastic lumber.

Ben

Their website indicates it follows the first two properties of plastic boards closely, 1 heavy (10' 2x4 is 20 lbs), 2 weak, I didn't see the cost, but I imagine it follows #3 also as high $$$. It's also made from HDPE, so almost nothing will stick to it, that's very good for some applications, but not really for FRP construction.

The Barforce version is stronger, but it only comes in much larger sizes, it may only follow 1 and 3.

 

[Mark42]

Re: plasti wood instead of wood that rots?

How about SMC? Check this stuff out:

Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) is used in compression molding - often of larger parts - where higher mechanical strengths need to be achieved. Glass reinforcement is between 10% and 60%, and glass length is slightly longer than Bulk Molding Compound (BMC) - between 1/2-inch and 1-inch (25mm).

As with BMC, thermoset sheet molding compound is a mixture of polymer resin, inert fillers, fiber reinforcement, catalysts, pigments and stabilizers, release agents, and thickeners. Manufacture of sheet molding compound is a continuous in-line process. The material is sheathed both top and bottom with a polyethylene or nylon plastic film to prevent auto-adhesion. The paste is spread uniformly onto the bottom film. Chopped glass fibers are randomly deposited onto the paste. The top film is introduced and the sandwich is rolled into a pre-determined thickness. The sheet is allowed to mature for 48 hours.

Sheet molding compound can be molded into complex shapes. High mechanical properties and excellent surface appearance, and excellent electrical insulation make sheet molding compound ideal for automotive Class A body panels, high-strength electrical parts, business equipment cabinets, personal watercraft, and various structural components.

I believe this is the stuff the doors of my Firebird are made from (not the exterior, the interior). Tough and light.

 

[Azonic]

Re: plasti wood instead of wood that rots?

and it cost how much for a 4'X8' sheet?

And do you have to buy 2 sheets to get to your desired thickness?

Or can you buy one sheet in the desired thickness?

It looks like a GREAT alternative..

However, I only spent $400 on my startcraft, and will not put $1000 sheet of anything in it...

 

[badman]

Re: plasti wood instead of wood that rots?

holy sheet!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: plasti wood instead of wood that rots?

Most SMC isn't very strong, its mostly filled resin and chop (same as mat). Compared to other low cost plastics its stronger, stiffer and more affordable if done in high volume. One other issue is that for a good bond you need to use epoxy, ployester won't bond well to the fillers in it.