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This is the first book that presents an overview of the main principies underlying the composition of wood-plastic composite (WPC) materials and their perfor¬mance in the real world. Focusing on the characteristics of WPC materials rather than their manufacture, this guide bridges the gap between laboratory-based re-search and testing and the properties WPC materials exhibit when they´re used in decks, railing systems, fences, and other common applications. Complete with practical examples and case studies, this guide: Describes compositions of WPC materials, including thermoplastics, cellulose fiber, minerals, additives, and their properties. Covers mechanical properties, microbial resistance, water absorption, flamma-bility, slip resistance, thermal expansion-contraction, sensitivity to oxidation and solar radiation, and rheological properties of hot melts of WPC Covers subjects that determine esthetics, properties, performance, and durabil-ity of wood-plastic composite products Includes comparisons of different ASTM methods and procedures that apply to specific properties. This is a comprehensive, hands-on reference for scientists, engineers, and research-ers working with wood-plastic composites in plastics and polymers, materials sci-ence, microbiology, rheology, plástic technology, and chemical engineering, as well as an outstanding text for gradúate students in these disciplines. It´s also an excellent resource for suppliers and WPC manufacturers, and an accessible guide for developers, homebuilders, and landscape architects who want to know more about wood-plastic composites and their performance in the real world.