Plastic lumber: Life cycle analysis of technology developments

Abstract

Plastic lumber is a major business with large production especially in North America and a growing business in Australia. There are some local manufacturers, using recycled co-mingled waste to produce plastic lumber for park benches, jetties, decks and railway sleepers. Current uses are limited by low strength and impact performance, as well as a lack of approved test methods. Current research at the University of Adelaide is analyzing the effect of process parameters on mechanical properties, and how these can be enhanced by the use of suitable compatibilizers.